FAQs about Upton Economic Development Board & Upton, WY

Since its inception in 1988, the Upton Economic Development Board (UEDB) has been striving to bring economic vitality to the greater Upton area. Started as a county-wide organization as the Weston County Development Board (WCDB) in February 1988, the WCDB was focused on discovering ways to achieve economic development in Weston County. The WCDB moved its operations to Upton in the late 90’s, where it has been ever since. The organization was renamed the Upton Economic Development Board in 2015.

Nine community leaders make up the UEDB’s Volunteer Board. From infrastructure improvements, job and business growth to the promotion of Upton’s quality of life, these individuals are dedicated to serving as stewards that promote, develop and support a strong, greater Upton community.

Want to get to know each of our board members and staff? Click here. 

The Upton Economic Development Board is focused to provide opportunities for economic growth in Upton. The volunteer-based board is on a mission to revitalize Upton, Wyoming with economic vitality, an engaged, healthy and educated population, and a sustainable and vibrant community.

Yes! UEDB values its partner organizations for the expertise and resources they provide to support community and economic development for the greater Upton area.  If you have questions about what assistance they can provide, you may contact them directly or reach out to us at director@uedb.org or 307-282-0652.

Absolutely. ​​We have established committees in order to encourage public and private community participation, innovative ideas, and to bring together resources in support of:

• Improvements to the appearance and quality of life in greater Upton, Wyoming
• Growth of local and new business, and entrepreneurship
• Projects that will improve the town infrastructure, provide a clean and safe environment, promote educational opportunities, and improve or create community amenities and resources for northeastern Wyoming

You are welcome to contact us at 307.282.0652 or director@uedb.org. 

Upton is a great place to grow your business! In addition to consistently being named the nation’s “Most Business Friendly Tax Climate” five years running by the Tax Foundation, Wyoming provides a variety of advantages for businesses looking to relocate or expand, including:  

• A low tax burden
• Financing and incentives
• Numerous workforce resources

We’re also located close to I-90, the longest, transcontinental interstate highway in the United States, connecting Seattle to Boston. 

There are multiple resources within the Greater Upton Area to aid and assist in existing businesses to grow and thrive in the current economy.

Through these local partnerships, businesses can obtain programs and services throughout the state to start, expand or innovate to promote a better community for all. Check out all of Upton's business resources and contact us with any questions. 

Yes! Financing is commonly a limiting factor for entrepreneurs. The Wyoming Business Council offers incentives for small businesses and entrepreneurs designed to ease operation costs.

New loans recently created are now listed and specifically designed to assist small businesses  include the Contract Loan and the Succession Loan. 

Yes! Each business has unique needs and may qualify for incentive programs they wouldn't otherwise know about. Contact the UEDB today for help navigating the incentive landscape. 

Absolutely! According to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, small businesses are a huge driver in Wyoming, accounting for 98.9% of all businesses in the state, employing more than half of our workers. Small businesses also have a major impact on our local economy. 

The Wyoming Small Business Development Center is a partnership between the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Business Council and the U.S. Small Business Administration to help entrepreneurs start, grow or reinvent a business through the assistance of local experts. Best of all, their services are free!

Financing is commonly a limiting factor for entrepreneurs. The Wyoming Business Council offers incentives for small businesses and entrepreneurs designed to ease operation costs. 

Additional financing options through the state include the Contract Loan and the Succession Loan. 

There are! Working in part with the Upton Economic Development Board, Upton businesses gain valuable resources to assist in creating a skilled workforce. These resources provide funding, education and experience, aiding Upton businesses in retention and expansion. 
Some of our partner programs include:

Wyoming Boots
Provides tools for job seekers, businesses and educators; and connects individuals to local education and job opportunities.

Wyoming Department of Workforce Services
Assists Wyoming businesses and serves a variety of clients, including employers, employees, injured workers, job seekers, individuals with disabilities, families working toward earning self-sustaining wages, healthcare providers, child care providers, parents of young children, older workers, veterans, individuals seeking social security disability benefits, training providers, youth, and many more!

Wyoming Small Business Development Center
The Wyoming SBDC Network is a partnership between the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Business Council, and the U.S. Small Business Administration offering business expertise and technical assistance to help you start, grow, reinvent, or exit your business.

As a member of the Wyoming’s Business Resource Network, we’ll make sure you get connected with the resources you need to succeed.

Wyoming Workforce Development Council 
WWDC is a board of leaders from around the state, hand-selected by the governor to serve with statewide workforce development.

Members assist the governor by ensuring the system supports robust regional and state economies and produces a high-quality, self-sufficient workforce that is highly valued by Wyoming employers.

Wyoming Works
Provides programs and resources for adult students to learn a skill and secure employment. The program makes available individual grants for students enrolling in approved programs at a Wyoming community college. It also provides a mechanism for colleges to apply for resources in support of the creation of high-demand programs. 

There are several colleges, technical colleges and universities accessible to the greater Upton, Wyoming area that offer top-tier programs to prepare students of all ages for the growing number of jobs in emerging and growing industries in Northeast Wyoming.

Discover more about the educational institutions serving the Upton area.

Yes! Tiger Transfer, LLC, is a BNSF-designated premier transload facility that provides unique advantages to industries that depend on efficient rail service including:

• Double mainline BNSF track with 3 mainline switches
• Unit train and manifest capabilities
• Onsite, internal switching and transloading
• Only railpark located on the BNSF double mainline route through Wyoming
• Several miles of all season access roadways to services
• On major highways (16, 116, and 15 miles to I-90)
• 3 to 5 day BNSF service to the park
   

Our 600-acre facility boasts more than 40,000 feet of privately owned track, located on a double-rail thoroughfare. Our internal switch engine and transloading crews keep your business moving at your pace, and we have the capability to build unit trains and handle manifest traffic.

A local train from Edgemont brings new cars for the day and picks up yesterday’s cars from Tiger to allow the velocity of the coal traffic to be minimally impacted.

In addition to an internal, onsite staff to handle transloading and switching, Tiger Transfer LLC provides a variety of amenities that help our occupants do business:

• Rail and non-rail sites available
• Large warehouse with rail dock and truck docks and bulk conveyor load out
• Abundant lay-down property for products
• Heavy equipment end car ramp

With built-in utilities and an onsite power substation, Tiger Transfer LLC offers superb connectivity at competitive prices.

With a rail-served business park, FAA municipal airport, regional high school sports facility, and a constantly growing regional population of 245,000 people, the greater Upton area is positioned to achieve economic viability.

Combined with 300+ acres of developable land, multiple transportation routes and an established tourism market, the greater Upton area is the perfect place to do business. 

We currently have several hundred acres of shovel-ready sites available in the Upton Logistics Center, with abundant opportunities for expansion.

You’re welcome to contact us at 307.468.2600 or info@tigertransfer.com for more information. 

You’ll find a wide variety of buildings and acreage in our area, perfect for retail operations, restaurants, and new construction.

We welcome you to browse the current list of available commercial properties in Upton, or to contact us for more detailed information at at 307.282.0652 or director@uedb.org. 

Absolutely. We are proud to offer a variety of scholarships to Upton area organizations and students of all ages and walks of life, including:

• Academic
• Career Development
• High School Equivalency Certificates
• Registered Apprenticeships
• Trade or Vocational Schools

Upton Economic Development Board scholarship amounts vary from $1,000 to $5,000. You can learn more about each of our scholarships by clicking here. 

Our scholarship eligibility requirements vary but are very straightforward. You’re also welcome to contact us at 307.282.0652 or director@uedb.org for more information. 

All of our scholarship applications can be found by clicking here. 

The Upton Economic Development Board provides scholarships to the Weston County Children’s Center-Upton annually.

The board feels that helping pre-school children build a good foundation for learning is an important part of their academic success and providing these scholarships will go a long way to make that happen.

Applications can be downloaded by clicking here, or you can contact the Weston County Children’s Center-Upton office at 629 Sheridan Street, or call 307-468-2200.

Yes! UEDB Grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for projects to help the organization function, or to benefit and serve the community. Grants are awarded quarterly on a competitive basis, based on funds available. Public or governmental agencies may not be eligible, please contact us at 307.282.0652 or director@uedb.org to check qualifications. 

No. Upton is located in the northeast corner of Wyoming, in a peaceful, rural setting. It’s a small town of around 900 people but does sit in close proximity to the beautiful Black Hills. 

Homes in Upton are definitely more affordable than some other spots throughout Wyoming, like Jackson Hole, where median prices have soared into the millions. Depending on what you are looking for, most real estate agents will tell you that Upton is moderately priced, with single family homes averaging in the mid $300,000’s.

The Iron Creek Inn & Suites, located a short distance south of Interstate 90 in Upton, offers monthly rates as well as discounted rates on extended stays.

We welcome you to visit the hotel’s FAQ Page to learn more about everything from reservations to room amenities. 

Upton’s education system is founded on the continued mission to be learner-centered and future focused, constantly adapting our learning experience to be innovative and diverse.

Through the personalization of a student's learning experience, the student takes on project-based learning, to prepare them for real-world experiences. They become better equipped to take on their future, while making a difference in Upton, today.

Located in the beautiful Black Hills of Wyoming, Upton enjoys wide-open spaces with year-round, outdoor recreation and entertainment.

Here, you’ll find many things to enjoy like the Cedar Pines Golf Course, city park, city pool, Fun Days, the annual jubilee celebration, Fall Festival, and the Rose Classic Car Show.

There’s also the unmatched beauty of the Black Hills National Forest and Devil’s Tower National Monument. Whether you’re looking for small town charm or the best nature has to offer, there’s something for everybody to enjoy in Upton!