Businesses planning to create new jobs in rural Utah communities can apply for state financial assistance beginning November 1, 2026.
The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity will open its next application period for the Rural Employment Development Incentive program, commonly known as REDI.
The program offers qualifying businesses between $4,000 and $6,000 for each eligible new position, with annual grant allocations reaching up to $250,000 per business.
Applications will be accepted November 1–15, 2026.
The incentive is intended to encourage employers to create permanent, higher-paying positions in rural communities.
Grants Support New Employment
Unlike traditional business grants that finance equipment purchases or construction projects, REDI provides financial assistance based on qualifying job creation.
Businesses can receive between $4,000 and $6,000 for each approved position.
The amount depends on the employee’s work location and the applicable county wage calculations.
Individual businesses may qualify for up to $250,000 annually.
However, awards are subject to program requirements and available funding.
Businesses must demonstrate that the positions represent additional employment rather than simply relocating existing jobs.
New positions must also satisfy the state’s wage and employment requirements.
Remote Positions May Qualify
The program accommodates several employment arrangements.
Eligible positions may involve employees working remotely, at satellite offices, in shared workspaces, or at traditional business facilities.
The important geographic requirement is that employees must primarily work from qualifying rural Utah communities.
A company does not necessarily need to maintain its headquarters in rural Utah to participate.
Businesses headquartered elsewhere in the state may qualify when they create eligible positions located in designated rural communities.
Certain smaller municipalities in Davis, Utah, and Weber counties also qualify.
Communities within Washington County may qualify, although St. George is excluded.
Employers should verify the specific work location before applying.
Employment Requirements
New positions must generally involve at least 30 hours of work per week.
They must pay at least 100% of the applicable county’s average annual wage, excluding benefits.
Positions must also be maintained for at least 12 months.
Businesses must maintain their existing baseline employment while creating the additional positions.
The program is not intended to reward employers for replacing existing workers or transferring jobs between locations.
Businesses primarily engaged in construction, retail trade, staffing, or public utilities are excluded.
Applicants must also satisfy applicable business licensing and tax compliance requirements.
Funding Is Performance-Based
REDI operates as a post-performance incentive.
Businesses do not receive grant payments simply because their applications are approved.
Instead, participating employers must create qualifying positions, maintain employment requirements, and submit documentation demonstrating compliance.
The program allows employers to request funding after satisfying applicable employment retention and reporting requirements.
Businesses should carefully review these conditions before including potential grant payments in their financial plans.
Applications Open November 1
The upcoming application period runs from November 1 through November 15, 2026.
Applicants must submit their hiring plans and supporting documentation through the state’s designated application portal.
Required materials include business information, proposed hiring details, and documentation establishing existing employment levels.
Businesses planning to expand should review the application and approval requirements before creating positions they intend to include in the program.
For qualifying employers, REDI provides a potential financial incentive to expand their workforce while supporting employment in Utah’s rural communities.