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 Business Builder: Small Grants for Food and Farm Businesses

Application Deadline: January 10th, 2025

Description: 

The NWRM RFBC Colorado team is offering grants of up to $10,000 to support small and mid-scale Colorado food and farm businesses, with a total of $200,000 available. Eligible businesses include those producing in, sourcing from, and serving local or regional markets. Grant funds can be used to improve business skills, expand market access, or strengthen local and regional food supply chains.

Application Link:

https://nwrockymountainregionalfoodbusiness.com/colorado-small-grants-rfa/

 

 

Workforce Development:

Agricultural Workforce Development Program

Application Deadline: Friday, November 1st, 2024

Description:

The Agricultural Workforce Development Program (AWDP) offers financial incentives to farms, ranches, and agricultural businesses to hire interns and provide hands-on training for careers in agriculture. Businesses may be reimbursed up to 50% of the hiring cost, with a cap of $5,000 per internship.

Eligibility:

  • Agricultural businesses in Colorado, such as farms and ranches, are eligible.
  • The business must provide hands-on training and educational experience for interns.
  • Businesses may be reimbursed for up to 50% of intern hiring costs, capped at $5,000 per internship.
  • Internships must be a minimum of 130 hours and no longer than one year in duration.
  • Businesses must comply with local, state, and federal regulations.

Application Link:

https://ag.colorado.gov/markets/markets-funding/agricultural-workforce-development-program

WestSlope Works:

https://gjchamber.org/westslopeworks

Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA):

https://www.mesacounty.us/wfc/job-seeker-services/career-development-program

Additional Resources:

Grants.Gov

https://grants.gov/

USDA

https://www.usda.gov/topics/farming/grants-and-loans

Colorado Office of Economic Development and Trade

https://oedit.colorado.gov/programs-and-funding