Grant Opportunities

Enterprise Zone Research and Development Tax Credit

Application Deadline: Rolling

Description:

The Enterprise Zone Research and Development Tax Credit incentivizes businesses to invest in research and development by offering a state income tax credit of 3% of the annual increase in R&D expenses compared to the prior two years. This initiative, part of Colorado’s Enterprise Zone Program, aims to foster economic development in designated areas of the state facing challenges such as high unemployment, low per capita income, or slow population growth.

Eligibility:

• Businesses, both new and existing, located in enterprise zones are eligible.
• For businesses opening in the middle of a tax year, the credit must be prorated based on the months of operation in the zone.
• Eligible businesses must comply with both state and federal laws; those in the marijuana industry are excluded.
• Continuous presence in the same enterprise zone for three years is required to claim the credit; relocating resets the eligibility period.
• Research must be technological, contribute to new or improved products, and involve experimentation.
• In-house research expenses cover wages (excluding fringe benefits), supplies, and computer usage fees.
• Contract research expenses include third-party payments for research conducted within an enterprise zone.
• Ineligible expenses include land improvements, depreciable equipment, management surveys, customer-specific product adaptation costs, and government-funded research.

Application Link:

https://oedit.colorado.gov/enterprise-zone-research-and-development-tax-credit

Small Business Legal Assistance

Application Deadline: Rolling

Description: 

The Small Business Legal Assistance program connects small business owners with volunteer attorneys for a free, one-hour consultation. After the consultation, the business and attorney can decide whether to continue with a paid relationship. The program covers common legal issues such as contracts, employment, and real estate, but is not available for active litigation cases.

Application Link:

https://oedit.colorado.gov/small-business-legal-assistance

Colorado Creates Grant

Application Deadline: May 21, 2025

Purpose: Provides general operating support for arts-focused organizations to present public programming aligned with the National Endowment for the Arts’ strategic plan.

Eligibility: Arts-focused 501(c)(3) organizations or arts programs within colleges, universities, or units of government. Organizations must be based in Colorado, have a minimum $25,000 annual cash operating budget, have presented public arts programming in Colorado for at least two years, be in Good Standing with the Colorado Secretary of State, have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and be current on reporting for prior Colorado Creative Industries grants.

Application Link:

https://oedit.colorado.gov/funding-incentives/colorado-creates-grant