Business Funding and Incentives
The Business Funding and Incentives (BF&I) division works closely with the Global Business Development (GBD) division and the Colorado Economic Development Commission (EDC) to provide the funding and performance-based incentives needed to create and retain jobs in Colorado.
The division manages:
- grants
- tax credits
- debt and equity financing
- referrals to local, state, federal, and private financing options
- assistance with finding available programs that best fit business operations and goals
Programs and Funding
Advanced Industries Investment Tax Credit
Improves access to capital for Colorado’s early-stage advanced industries businesses by reducing investor risk
Colorado Startup Loan Fund
The Colorado Startup Loan Fund provides loan capital to mission-based lenders to provide loans to Colorado entrepreneurs and small business owners needing capital to start, restart, or restructure a business, and those who are not able to obtain a loan from traditional lenders. This is a revolving loan fund, meaning the dollars will be used to continue supporting new entrepreneurs as loans are repaid.
Enterprise Zone Program
Supports business expansion in economically distressed areas throughout the state through a variety of tax credits that help economic development
Just Transition Community Funding
The Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) and the Office of Just Transition (OJT), within the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment, are partnering to make a new phase of grants available to Tier One & Tier Two Just Transition communities to support their economic and workforce development activities.
Rural Jump-Start Program
Provides relief to new businesses and employees when they locate in economically distressed areas of rural Colorado
Opportunity Zone Program
Provides federal tax incentives for investors of low-income urban and rural communities
Venture Capital Authority
Invests in early-stage startups headquartered in Colorado outside of the front range