UMUT Market Project
Phase 1
To date, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe successfully secured over $4.9 million to quickly assemble a food access point and opportunity to pilot aspects of the future full-service market. Two major funders, the Economic Development Administration and Colorado Health Foundation, contributed $3.9 million for the market with the requirement to also include a Workforce Innovation Center. The site will offer several elements by spring 2025:
-
Co-op Grocery Space
-
Vendor Space
-
Workforce Development Space
-
Artistic Maker Space
Funding for Phase 1 is thanks to: U.S. Economic Development Administration, Colorado Health Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, The Reinvestment Fund, Gates Family Foundation, First Nations Development Institute, Harris Block Foundation, and Blueprint to End Hunger.
Phase 2
The estimated cost of Phase 2 is $20-25 Million for a full-service market and workforce innovation center where Tribal members can achieve economic, educational, social, and health equity.
Fundraising
Fundraising is the biggest variable in the timeline for constructing the market. Future federal grant funding available for Phase Two of the market project is estimated between $5 million and $7 million leaving approximately a $15-20 Million fundraising gap.
