Jefferson County Business Resources
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The DDA seeks to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy technology in the downtown community. The desired outcome of this grant is to educate the community about energy consumption, while helping participants save money on energy efficiency and renewable energy installation and technology. The DDA will match 50% of project costs up to $2,500 per grant.
The Cannabis Business Technical Assistance program is an educational program focused on the foundations of business development in the cannabis industry. The curriculum is housed on a secure learning management system and includes educational videos, coursework, and more. These materials are accessible on-demand, so participants can work through the curriculum at their own pace. The educational program is free of charge, but requires that participants register for an account to begin.
The Cannabis Business Office has partnered with Make Green Go! to create this Technical Assistance program. Make Green Go! has provided business development services to social equity communities since 2010. The organization has extensive experience in content development, user-friendly platforms, and a network of members and subject matter experts. The Cannabis Business Office is excited for this partnership to offer their curated content on our Technical Assistance platform.
Wheat Ridge Economic Development offers sales tax rebates to eligible Jefferson County businesses, encouraging investment, job creation, and economic expansion.
Xcel Energy's Electric Vehicle Solutions program supports Colorado's transition to electric transportation by providing infrastructure, charging station incentives, and resources for businesses and residents adopting electric vehicles.
The Denver Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center is the only federally-funded agency in Colorado that was created to specifically foster the growth of minority-owned businesses.
Their professional team of consultants specialize in assisting minority-owned firms source, target and secure state and federal contracting opportunities.
The SAGE Sustainable Business Accelerator Grant provides project-related, financial assistance on a reimbursement basis, of sustainability upgrades and services, that facilitate cost reductions and support resource conservation and environmentally friendly business operations. The program reimburses 75 percent of eligible project expenses up to $5,000 per business, per calendar year.
The DDA understands that having a functional website is crucial for business visibility and attracting potential visitors to downtown Golden. The DDA will match 50% percent of the project costs up to $1,000 per grant.
Xcel Energy offers Lighting and Equipment Rebates for Colorado businesses, providing financial incentives for upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and other equipment to reduce energy costs and improve overall efficiency.
At no-cost, Jeffco EDC can create demographic, employment, and market data reports for your business.
The intended use for this grant is to stop, halt or prevent the deterioration of buildings and structures within the DDA boundaries, while providing a pleasant experience for downtown residents, businesses and visitors. The DDA will match 50% of project costs up to $2,500 per grant.
The TalentFOUND gateway connects businesses with the most relevant tools and resources of the Colorado talent development network, helping employers create their own unique paths to business success. Recruit skilled workers, train existing team members, and build your talent pipeline.
Xcel Energy's Energy Efficient Buildings Program encourages Colorado businesses to reduce energy consumption through energy audits, efficiency upgrades, and customized energy-saving strategies, resulting in lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
NREL works with organizations—large and small—to expand the clean energy economy. Together with our partners, we can accelerate the movement of renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions into practical applications.
The Industrial Assessment Center is a nationwide program sponsored by the Department of Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office. RMIAC’s mission is to provide technology, system and productivity-based recommendations that increase energy efficiency, reduce waste and provide financial benefits for small and medium sized manufacturers. The Center conducts energy, waste and productivity assessments through one-day site visits at no cost to the facility.
Xcel Energy's Business Solutions Center assists Colorado businesses with energy management, providing tailored solutions, account support, and energy-saving tips to optimize efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Red Team Review is an innovative program that provides professional guidance and a final review of a company’s SBIR/STTR proposal prior to submitting it to the participating federal agency.
Jumpstart Lakewood is a pitch competition open to all entrepreneurs in Lakewood who have yet to start a business or recently started a business and have generated less than $25,000 in net revenue. Applicants will have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of judges and compete for a cash prize to fund their business creation or expansion. Applications will open during the fourth quarter of the year and will need to include business plans and how the business will be funded or expanded with the prize money. Applicants will go through an interview and those selected will attend a pitch prep workshop. Stay tuned for the next application cycle.
Manufacturer’s Edge has partnered with Tooling U-SME to offer high-quality, online training so manufacturers can maintain a competitive workforce and grow their organizations. A properly trained workforce can dramatically improve your bottom line through:
1. On-boarding and closing the skills gap faster
2. Increasing quality output and reducing production time
3. Boosting productivity by leveraging new skills and technologies
4. Minimizing risk and creating a safer environment for workers
The Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program is a state tax incentive program administered at the county level by Jeffco EDC. Businesses located in these “Enterprise Zones” are able to claim tax credits for new hires, equipment purchases, and more. Find out if your located in an Enterprise Zone today by using our Interactive Address Look-Up Tool!
WTC Denver's certificate program equips Colorado professionals with essential international trade knowledge and skills for success in global business.
The Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program is a state tax incentive program administered at the county level by Jeffco EDC. Businesses located in these “Enterprise Zones” are able to claim the EZ Investment Tax Credit. This credit allows businesses to claim a 3% tax credit for business personal property purchases.
Find out if your located in an Enterprise Zone today by using our Interactive Address Look-Up Tool by clicking on the link below!
Co-Working Space in Golden, CO.
The Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program is a state tax incentive program administered at the county level by Jeffco EDC. Businesses located in these “Enterprise Zones” are able to claim the EZ New Employee Tax Credit. This credit allows businesses to claim a $1,100 per net employee hired during the tax year.
Find out if your located in an Enterprise Zone today by using our Interactive Address Look-Up Tool by clicking on the link below!
A one-time $300 grant is available to City of Golden businesses that retrofit existing non-LED lighting fixtures to the LED technology. Often, the ROI of a complete lighting retrofit is less than one year. Interested businesses in the City of Golden area should download the City of Golden LED Business Grant Application for full details.
The Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program is a state tax incentive program administered at the county level by Jeffco EDC. Businesses located in these “Enterprise Zones” are able to claim the EZ Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance Tax Credit. This credit allows businesses to claim a $1,000 tax credit for each employee enrolled in an employer-sponsored health insurance program. This credit can only be claimed for the first two years a business is located in an EZ.
Find out if your located in an Enterprise Zone today by using our Interactive Address Look-Up Tool by clicking on the link below!
Get access to business and demographic databases by becoming a Jeffco Public Library member.
The Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program is a state tax incentive program administered at the county level by Jeffco EDC. Businesses located in these “Enterprise Zones” are able to claim the EZ Job Training Tax Credit. This credit allows businesses to claim a 12% tax credit on eligible job training expenses.
Find out if your located in an Enterprise Zone today by using our Interactive Address Look-Up Tool by clicking on the link below!
Xcel Energy's Economic Development Rate offers discounted electricity rates for qualifying businesses in Colorado, promoting economic growth, job creation, and overall community development.
The Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program is a state tax incentive program administered at the county level by Jeffco EDC. Businesses located in these “Enterprise Zones” are able to claim the EZ Research and Development Tax Credit. This credit allows businesses to claim a 3% tax credit on increased R&D expenditures.
Find out if your located in an Enterprise Zone today by using our Interactive Address Look-Up Tool by clicking on the link below!
The Job Training Incentive Grant provides financial assistance on a reimbursement basis, to encourage the hiring and training of a local workforce. The program reimburses up to $5,000 if hiring from an existing local workforce, or $6,250 if hiring a recent graduate from a Westminster institution. Qualifying applicant industries include: manufacturing, technology and innovation, financial services, aerospace/defense and business support services. Retail and restaurants are not eligible for this grant.
The Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program is a state tax incentive program administered at the county level by Jeffco EDC. Businesses located in these “Enterprise Zones” are able to claim the EZ Commercial Vehicle Tax Credit. This credit allows businesses to claim a 1.5% tax credit on commercial vehicle purchases.
Find out if your located in an Enterprise Zone today by using our Interactive Address Look-Up Tool by clicking on the link below!
Connect2DOT helps small businesses in the transportation industry bid and contract with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and other local transportation agencies. Connect2DOT provides free one-on-one consulting, business training, online resources, and events for construction contractors, professional design, architecture and engineering firms. Services include:
- Consulting
- Training and Workshops
- Technical Support
- Outreach and Events
Lakewood Economic Development will help you promote your grand opening by promoting you in our e-Newsletter, on social media and highlighting your business in the Looking@Lakewood. Grand Opening Promotion can be for brick and mortar businesses as well as home-based businesses.
Employers can post a job to the job boards for free on Connecting Colorado, which is a website managed by the State of Colorado.
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.
OEDIT has partnered with eight mission-driven lenders to provide micro loans under $150,000 to small business owners and entrepreneurs with capital from the Colorado Startup Loan Fund. By offering smaller-than-average loans with favorable terms and interest rates, the program seeks to make financing a possibility for entrepreneurs who might not qualify for or require a larger loan. These lenders have been selected for their abilities to work with business owners who are located in rural areas, may not be native English-speakers, have never carried a loan, lack the traditional assets required to secure financing, or have been previously unable to obtain a loan.
The fund will focus on:
- Loan opportunities for existing businesses that are unable to qualify for traditional financing
- Loan opportunities for new businesses that are unable to qualify for traditional financing
- Loan opportunities for existing businesses who experienced financial losses or other impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic that may inhibit their obtaining capital through traditional sources
- Increasing access to capital for underserved communities
The West Metro Chamber of Commerce 401k Retirement Plan Exchange offers a cost-effective, streamlined retirement solution for Jefferson County businesses, providing expert guidance, simplified administration, and enhanced investment options to benefit both employers and employees.
Colorado PTAC partners with industry experts to supplement CO-PTAC-led training. As a result, PTAC have robust course offerings covering all aspects of contracting – from simple to advanced topics.
Most classes are offered in “Hybrid” format – in-person and broadcast.
- WAWF/PIEE/other systems
- Mentor/Protégé, Joint-Venture, and Teaming
- Intellectual Property and Data Rights
- FAR/DFAR/Agency supplements
- Business Development, Capture and Proposal Process
- Cybersecurity regulations and compliance
- Davis-Bacon Act, Service Contract Act and other labor Issues
- Small Business policy updates
- DCAA/Cost Accounting Compliance
- Opportunities for Small Business in R&D: SBIR and STTR
The Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI) will ensure all Colorado workers have access to paid leave in order to take care of themselves or their family during life circumstances that pull them away from their jobs, like growing their family or taking care of a loved one with a serious health condition. FAMLI will start providing benefits to employees beginning January 1, 2024. Most eligible employees will receive up to twelve weeks of leave. Those who experience pregnancy or childbirth complications may receive an additional four weeks.
This program fast-tracks Colorado businesses' global expansion, providing resources, mentorship, and connections to navigate international markets successfully.
The Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity (RREO) Program provides funding that promotes economic development through the management of materials that would otherwise be landfilled. Funds are available to support recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion, source reduction, and beneficial use/reuse. Grants and rebates are overseen by the Pollution Prevention Advisory Board and its corresponding Assistance Committee.
The Employee Ownership Tax Credit is available to current Colorado-headquartered businesses and their employees to provide an incentive to establish employee stock ownership plans, worker-owned cooperatives, and employee ownership trusts. The tax credit covers up to 50% of a qualified business’ conversion costs for use on their state income taxes. To participate in the program, the applying business must be existing in Colorado for at least one year prior to starting their employee-ownership conversion and applying for the tax credit.
In June 2021, Governor Polis signed into law HB 21-1311, (PDF). The bill provides $10 million annually in tax credits to fund professional service costs of conversion to employee ownership. The program makes employee ownership conversions more accessible for businesses throughout Colorado. The program and funding are available for the next 5 years, closing on January 1, 2027.
Manufacturer's Edge CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) Compliance program helps manufacturers and DoD suppliers enhance cybersecurity, safeguard data, and meet regulatory requirements. Offering customized guidance, training, and resources, the program supports businesses in achieving and maintaining CMMC certification, mitigating cyber threats, and maintaining a competitive edge in the defense sector.
Wheat Ridge Localworks provides a collaborative Clear Creek Makerspace for Jefferson County entrepreneurs, offering equipment, resources, and support to facilitate innovation, creativity, and community engagement in a shared workspace.
Jeffco EDC, in partnership with RMMA, recently created an FTZ for Jefferson County. FTZs are secured, designated locations in or near a U.S. Customs Port of Entry where foreign and domestic merchandise is generally considered to be in international commerce and outside of U.S. Customs territory. As a result, activated businesses in an FTZ can reduce or eliminate duty on imports and take advantage of other benefits to encourage foreign commerce within the U.S. For more information on Jeffco’s FTZ, please visit our FTZ page below.
In order to maintain flexibility, the AEDA Economic Impact Fund exists to provide financial assistance for special projects on a case-by-case basis. While this program does not have specific project qualifications, match funding requirements or funding limits, applications are heavily scrutinized to ensure public benefit and that the scope of the project is in alignment with AEDA’s economic development mission.
The Small Business Capital Projects Grant Program provides project-related, financial assistance on a reimbursement basis, to encourage the growth and retention of existing Westminster businesses. The program reimburses 10 percent of the costs of real property improvements or tangible property purchases up to $5,000 per business, per calendar year. New businesses may be considered for approval with an active Westminster business license and submittal of a current business plan.
Lakewood’s incentives are considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure there is clear public benefit to justify the incentive. Each incentive package is tailored to best fit the project it is supporting, including both expansion and relocation projects. Criteria that is examined includes: job creation, capital investment, public benefit, removal of blight and community investment. Contact Economic Development staff to discuss your expansion or relocation project.
Wheat Ridge Localworks offers the Business Improvement Loan Program to support Jefferson County businesses with low-interest loans, helping finance property improvements, equipment upgrades, and business expansions.
- Dedicated Counseling staff with years of government procurement experience will help you understand how the market looks to your company and your industry.
- Help with all the various registrations and certifications that are available and applicable to your company.
- Federal, state and local government registrations
- Small business certifications such as Woman, Veteran or Disadvantaged Ownership, HUBZone and others
- Understand how the government advertises opportunities – customized search engine to consolidate results and deliver in daily emails. No need to dig through all of the sites manually, and NO COST TO PTAC CLIENTS.
The Small Business Scholarship Program provides reimbursement of business training expenses to licensed Westminster entrepreneurs and small business owners/employers with 50 or fewer employees. The program reimburses 50 percent of the cost of tuition, fees, and required materials, up to $1,000 per business, per calendar year, after successful completion of courses. New businesses may be considered for approval with an active Westminster business license and submittal of a current business plan.
The Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center runs custom database searches in Connecting Colorado to source candidates for employers. They also work with their Career Coaches to promote positions to candidates that are best suited for your open positions.
Funding available to help women-owned, minority-owned and/or rural-based science and technology businesses access private resources for assistance with SBIR/STTR proposal development. Grant awards will be up to $1,000/business. Funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Preference will be given to businesses that have not received this grant in the past as well as those that are using service providers headquartered in the State of Colorado. Businesses must be a science and technology venture based in Colorado that is women-owned, minority-owned and/or located in rural Colorado to be eligible to apply.
WTC Denver supports immigrant entrepreneurs in Colorado with resources, networking, and guidance to foster successful international trade ventures.
The Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center can help you plan, coordinate and execute a job fair or hiring event. These events take place in the community, at your workplace or online. We even help spread the word about it to job seekers.
AEDA created the Exterior Improvements Grant program to support businesses and/or property owners that are making capital improvements to the exterior of their property, which in turn improves the Arvada community. The 50/50 matching grant program leverages AEDA funds and private-sector investment to enhance commercial properties in Arvada.
This program incentivizes businesses to locate in designated zones within Jefferson County, promoting economic growth and job creation through financial and infrastructure support.
The Cannabis Business Grant is a funding opportunity for social equity cannabis businesses who have been awarded or are in the process of applying for a regulated business license from the Marijuana Enforcement Division. This program was developed to support cannabis entrepreneurs through access to capital to promote social equity, innovation, and job creation across the industry. Eligible businesses are divided into 2 categories based on their needs: foundational and growth. Multiple grant rounds will be available throughout the year.
Co-Working space in Lakewood, CO.
Members of the Colorado Bioscience Association (CBSA) are able to reach a greater talent pool by posting their job listings on the CBSA online job board.
The Venture Capital Authority (VCA) supports access to venture capital for Colorado's entrepreneurs and startup businesses. The VCA is a political subdivision of the state and a Special Purpose Authority like the Public Employees' Retirement Association. The VCA is neither an agency of the state nor subject to administrative direction by any agency or department of the state. The VCA is governed by a board of directors that partners with professional fund managers to deploy its capital and OEDIT staff provides administrative support to the VCA.
The Colorado Credit Reserve program helps businesses that typically struggle to get access to a bank loan. The program helps lenders make loans by establishing a loan loss reserve account with the lender as additional security.
To get a loan through this program, the borrower pays a fee of 1% of loan principal, which we match. Borrower and program fees fund the loan loss reserve.
Each participating lender:
- Makes the underwriting decisions
- Sets the terms
- Services the loan
50% tax rebate up to $250,000 for the implementation of alternative transportation programs by an employer. Contact West Corridor for more information at the link below.
The Business Face-Lift Grant Program provides project-related, financial assistance on a reimbursement basis for eligible improvements in the Historic Westminster area (geographically bounded — must be located south of 80th, north of 68th, west of Federal, and east of Sheridan). The program reimburses 50 percent of eligible property improvements up to $5,000 per business, per calendar year. New businesses may be considered for approval with an active Westminster business license and submittal of a current business plan.
WTC Denver offers tailored training sessions for Colorado businesses, covering essential international trade topics to enhance global competitiveness and expertise.
The Cash Collateral Support program helps small and medium-sized businesses in Colorado access loans that they would otherwise not get because they do not have enough collateral. This credit enhancement uses small amounts of public resources to encourage private lenders to loan money to businesses. The program provides a cash deposit as collateral for a business loan or credit facility when the business cannot meet the lender’s collateral requirements.
Lenders can apply for up to 25% of the loan amount or $250,000, whichever is less, in collateral to support business loan applications. The maximum loan size for this loan is $10 million.
Commute with Enterprise benefits your business and your employees. They make it easy for your employees to share a ride to and from work—connecting people who live near each other and providing the vehicle. Your employees save money, get back time for themselves and arrive in a better state of mind. And, fewer solo drivers will help your company reduce carbon emissions and parking congestion.
This program supports the revitalization of Wheat Ridge business districts, offering incentives and resources to attract new businesses and enhance existing establishments in Jefferson County.
WTC Denver's Help Desk provides Colorado businesses with quick access to international trade assistance, resources, and expertise, resolving queries and addressing challenges.
The Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit is an eight-year job creation incentive to support competitive, multi-state, or country relocation and expansion projects. The tax credit gives businesses a Colorado state income tax credit equal to 50% of the FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) tax paid by the business per net new job for each calendar year in the credit period.
As a benefit to Jefferson County’s businesses, the county has eliminated its portion of the business personal property tax (BPPT) to show the business community that it values their business and understands that decreasing the overall tax burden will yield more jobs and capital investment. Jefferson County is the first county in Colorado to eliminate its portion of this tax. For more information, contact us or visit our Jeffco BPPT Elimination page below.
The Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center may be able to create a customized training for your organization.
The Minority Business Office provides free one-on-one consulting services to help you understand all of the certifications available to you as a minority, women, or veteran-owned business. Our consultants can also help you make the most of your certifications by helping you market yourself. Our consultants have years of experience helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed.
Co-Working Space in Golden, CO.
The Colorado Revolving Loan Fund provides loans that help small to medium-sized Colorado businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These loans range from $5,000 to $750,000. These loans are intended to provide startup and working capital that will help create and retain jobs across the state of Colorado.
The maximum interest rate is 10%, and the expected average interest rate of these loans is 4%. Loans may be character-based and may have terms up to 20 years based on the type of loan.
This fund prioritizes socially and economically disadvantaged businesses and non-profits. We will work with community-based organizations to reach people, and extend effort to assist and qualify these types of businesses including using non-traditional underwriting criteria such as character-based lending and providing bi-lingual support where possible.
The Opportunity Zone (OZ) program provides a federal tax incentive for investors to invest in low-income urban and rural communities through favorable treatment of reinvested capital gains and forgiveness of tax on new capital gains. Jeffco has five designated zones. For a map of the Jeffco zones, please visit our OZ map page below.
The Advanced Industries Export Grant helps Colorado-based advanced industries technology businesses who want to export or are currently exporting. This grant is for small- and medium-sized businesses. It reimburses for international business development and marketing costs. Businesses can apply for up to $15,000 and up to 50% of the approved expenses.
The Cyber CYA program is built to assist small- and medium-sized businesses by focusing on topics for all levels of business and their needs from cloud computing, security measures using social media, to securing technology to meet compliance standards in government contracting.
Free and confidential consulting and low-cost workshops are available.
Apprenticeships offer businesses a flexible training solution, resulting in a well-skilled, well-rounded worker ready for a professional career in your company.
Apprenticeships:
- Develop highly skilled, highly productive employees
- Reduce turnover rates
- Increase productivity
- Lower recruitment costs
- Increase safety in the workplace
- Create a more diverse workforce and new pool of workers
A Business Services Representative can help you:
- Understand the apprenticeship training and employment model
- Identify roles within your organization that may benefit from an apprenticeship program
- Connect you with appropriate resources to create and maintain a program
- Assist you with recruiting candidates
The Advanced Industries Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grant helps Colorado-based advanced industries technology businesses develop and commercialize advanced technologies that will be created or manufactured in Colorado. Projects can receive up to $250,000. This grant award maximum can be lifted for projects that impact more than one advanced industry.
Employee Ownership is a pathway to attract and retain top talent and create a built in succession plan for your business. The Colorado Employee Ownership Grant is available to Colorado-headquartered small businesses interested in adding a broad-based employee ownership structure to their business. The grant reimburses fees paid for professional services required to transition the business to a Colorado Employee-Owned Business. The professional services covered by this grant include accounting, legal, business valuation, and business transition services.
No matter the size of your business, RTD will work with you to create a transit benefit mix tailored to your company and employees. Every employee enrolled in EcoPass will receive a smart card that allows for unlimited rides on RTD buses and trains, connecting them to your business with a safe and reliable commuting option that operates 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our enrollment options are more flexible than ever before, so reach out to learn more on how EcoPass can connect your business to the entire Denver metro region’s employee base.
- Reduce payroll taxes through a pre-tax benefit
- Recruitment and retention tool
- Enhance employee morale and productivity
- Provide employees a safe and reliable commuting option
- Enhance connectivity to the region
- Reduce parking costs
To learn more about the benefits and employee ownership options, the Employee Ownership Office has produced an introductory course. This is a free online course available 24 hours, 7 days a week accessible to Colorado small business owners interested in investigating employee ownership. To get started with this introductory course, available for 2 weeks, please register for the Introduction to Employee Ownership.
Xcel Energy's Energy Design Assistance helps Colorado businesses with new construction or renovation projects, offering expert guidance on energy-efficient design, financial incentives, and long-term energy savings.
The Business Services team at the Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center offers resources to businesses restructuring or downsizing and are laying off or terminating staff. They recognize these situations are incredibly stressful for both the business and staff and are available to lend support to make the transition smoother. You can rest assured that the information shared remains confidential. Their team is available to respond quickly and offer support within 24 hours of being notified.
Support includes:
- Reviewing your plan to share the news with staff, including those being let go and those staying onboard
- Explaining to staff how to file for unemployment benefits
- Connecting employees to a Career Coach to learn about job search and placement assistance
- Sharing information about workshops and training
- Linking individuals to financial resources, educational and mental health resources within the community
WTC Denver issues Certificates of Origin, authenticating the origin of goods for Colorado businesses, helping to facilitate smooth international trade transactions.
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal incentive that rewards employers for hiring individuals from targeted groups, promoting workforce diversity and economic inclusion. Employers receive tax credits, reducing their tax liability and supporting disadvantaged job seekers.
The Skill Advance Colorado Job Training Grant (formerly the Colorado First and Existing Industry Grant) helps businesses and nonprofits create customized job training for employees.
This training:
- Develops Colorado’s workforce
- Builds workers’ transferable skills
- Improves workers’ resumes and long-term employment opportunities
- Helps Colorado businesses remain competitive
The funds are broken down into Colorado First funds and Existing Industry funds. Colorado First grant funds customized training only for net new hires at companies relocating to or expanding in Colorado. Existing Industry grant funds customized training to help established Colorado companies and nonprofits remain competitive in their industry, adapt to new technology, and prevent layoffs.
Designed to help you and your employees happily settle in your town! Start 2 Home can help you with employee retention and attraction. Through a partnership between Jeffco EDC and Cornerstone Home Lending Inc., you and your employees can enjoy a smooth, stress-free move with Start 2 Home.
The Relocation/Refinance Benefits:
- Dedicated teams completely focused on your employee, the buyer
- Reduced costs with discounted home buying, lending and moving fees
- Lender-paid credit from Cornerstone
- Reduced mortgage insurance (MI) premiums
- Rebates provided to homebuyers after the real estate closing
- Exclusive access to HomeScout, a next-generation, immersive real estate search app featuring 100% MLS data for the entire country
- Vast network of service providers, including landscaping, home improvement, pet care, plumbing and more
Join the Colorado Manufacturing Network and help us build the Colorado manufacturing base into a hyperconnected, secure, and resilient ecosystem of local and regional suppliers who can more easily connect and interact with the government and industry organizations that rely on them.
The Strategic Fund Job Growth Incentive is for business expansion or relocation projects for which Colorado is in competition with at least one other state and the company has received a commitment of local government funding that matches any requested state government incentives. The incentive provides a cash payment over five years to companies that create and maintain new permanent jobs in Colorado.
Looking for industrial, flex, office or storage space? Jeffco EDC has access to comprehensive real estate databases and can generate custom real estate reports based on your specifications. This service is completely free and is available to all Jeffco businesses.
Businesses of all sizes may be eligible for the On-The-Job-Training grant program. Businesses may be eligible to receive up to 50% wage reimbursement, while a new employee is being trained. This program is intended to offset the risk of hiring and training new staff by bringing on a new employee that has most of the skills, but not all, a company needs. The Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center will work with your office to develop a training plan to help make a new employee successful.
Jeffco EDC has partnered with the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to bring SBDC services to Jefferson County. SBDC provides a wide array of no-cost business services that help small businesses in Colorado. An SBDC expert excepts appointments or walk-ins (as availability permits) at the Jeffco EDC offices every Friday from 9 am to 1:30 pm.
The Bid Advance Response Program is a 6-month mentoring program to help small minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses understand and win government bids. This highly-competitive program consists of group-based training and one-on-one guidance to prepare small businesses wanting to enter or expand their market into government contracting opportunities.
The program works with the Minority Business Office’s consulting and training programs and will help businesses navigate through the government procurement and contracting process. The training includes support with relevant registrations, proposal preparation strategies and tools, and personnel management.
This mentoring program is valued at $750 and is provided free to all accepted businesses.
Co-Working space in Arvada, Co.
WTC Denver issues Certificates of Free Sale, verifying product compliance with regulatory standards, enabling Colorado businesses to export goods all worldwide.
In partnership with CourtSide® Consulting, Manufacturer’s Edge can help you unlock the potential of your business by developing custom employee handbooks that are specialized to your company’s needs. They make the process easy by asking you a series of questions about your business to understand your unique needs, common frustrations, and legal gaps. A straightforward employee handbook is then created and customized to your company
Manufacturer’s Edge and CourtSide® Consulting want to make your employee handbook as effective as possible for your organization. So, we also provide 12 months of ongoing support to help with any questions or employee issues that may develop.
The Business Safety & Security Program provides grant funding to help business owners create or update safety features on the business property. Goals of this program are to create safe environments for business owners and their customers and to reduce calls for service. The program opens on an annual basis and grants are awarded as funding allows.
The Commercial Reinvestment Program provides grant funding to encourage businesses and property owners to further invest in their properties. This matching grant encourages business and property owners to make improvements that will positively impact the Lakewood Community. The program opens on an annual basis and grants are awarded as funding allows.
The Adaptive Reuse Program provides grant funding to business and property owners in order to overcome barriers in the redevelopment of vacant buildings. The goal is to create activation and eliminate blight through the reuse of vacant buildings. The program opens on an annual basis and grants are awarded as funding allows.
International Trade Readiness for Small Businesses online training course provides a peek into resources available through our partners at the World Trade Center Denver to reach international markets. You can access information to learn about:
- International trade basic information for your business
- How to create a strategy to export your products to new markets
- Source international products to competitively sell in the U.S.
- Connect with a network of expert consultants to put your international trade plans into action.
WBLI will provide funding to help with the start-up costs of developing work-based learning programs, including training dollars that could be used in partnership with institutions of higher education or other training providers. WBLI provides financial reimbursements of up to $10,000! Rural and/or small businesses are eligible to earn additional incentives of $100. Applications are now open and will be collected on a rolling basis and funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out. The program runs through May 2024.
- 50% match up to $15,000 grant funding for business improvements
- Eligible projects include (but are not limited to):
- Facade Improvements
- Exterior Lighting
- Blight Improvement
- Exterior Painting
- 50% match up to $4,000 per grant
- Eligible projects include (but are not limited to):
- Energy Audits
- Website Design
- Marketing Consulting
- Architectural Consulting
The Collective for the Advancement of BIPOC+ Businesses (CABB) is a collective of experienced Black, Latino, Asian and Native American professionals who have come together to disrupt the systemic economic impacts on BIPOC+ communities through programmatic support for business growth.
(Jeffco Public Schools) will provide high school seniors who are accepted into the program the opportunity to gain exposure to a career field they hope to pursue after graduation. The interns complete 100 non-paid hours at their internship site, complete weekly summaries and hourly reports, obtain sponsor approval of time sheets every four weeks and complete the final project as assigned by the Program Director. Jefferson County Public Schools insurance covers interns while on site at their internship location. Interns receive one-half academic credit for the internship and one-half credit for the workplace readiness as a letter grade on their transcript
Finding qualified early-career talent is increasingly expensive, competitive, and time-consuming. CareerWise Colorado provides a talent solution for companies of all industries and sizes. From financial services, to advanced manufacturing, information technology, and more; they deliver a nationally-recognized program designed to meet the most pressing talent challenges facing companies today.
The Colorado Manufacturing Sales and Use Tax Exemption allows Colorado manufacturers to claim an exemption on sales/use tax on purchases to be used in the manufacturing process. This includes:
- Ingredients and component parts
- Property brought into Colorado temporarily for testing, modification, or inspection
- Gas, electricity, and other fuels
- Machinery and machine tools