State Incentives

PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS (TAX-EXEMPT INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS)

Locally sponsored by the county and municipal governing bodies, up to $12 million of tax-exempt private activity bonds are available per qualified manufacturing project through the statewide allocation. Typically, tax-exempt bonds offer an interest rate 70% - 80% of the prime rate. Total project costs typically do not exceed $12 million. Bond proceeds can be used for land acquisition, site improvements, building construction, and purchase of machinery and equipment.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FUND

The State of Colorado offers, on a per project basis, low interest loan assistance to businesses for new locations or expansions in Colorado, authorized by the Colorado Economic Development Commission (EDC). Amounts and terms of the loans are determined by the EDC. Loan proceeds can be used for construction and operating capital.

CUSTOMIZED JOB TRAINING GRANTS

The State of Colorado’s Customized Job Training Programs make grants available to businesses training new employees (through the Colorado FIRST Program) or re-training existing employees (through the Existing Industry Training Program). These programs, administered through the State Office of Business Development and the State Community College and Occupational Education System, offer assistance to companies to help cover the costs associated with training and re-training employees.  Employers can receive a maximum grant award of up to $800 per employee. Arapahoe Community College can assist with customized training activities through company-approved curricula.

*The southeast corridor is in a unique position to be served by this program, thanks to the University Center at Chaparral (UCC). The University Center at Chaparral is a community-focused, collaborative partnership which prepares individuals and corporations for the future by providing continuing education and training today. It partners Arapahoe Community College, The University of Denver, Douglas County Schools, and the Southeast Business Partnership to create a higher education prototype for the future. It represents an alliance of public and private education in a campus structure, incorporating the most current technology available to instructional faculty and students.

The mission of University Center is to offer seamless, transferable educational opportunities. It provides programs for those who have no or little higher educational backgrounds, as well as those individuals seeking degrees and career enhancement skills.

UCC offers a broad range of credit and non-credit instructional opportunities from the secondary level through advanced graduate studies.

University Center is learner-focused and service oriented by offering the best in undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate and professional advancement programs in the state. The Center also provides customized programs to meet the unique needs of business.  Visit Arapahoe Community College to learn more about this exciting program.

"ONE STOP SHOPPING” EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT SERVICE

The Colorado Works! Programs offer customized solutions to employee recruiting, screening, and training needs. Employers in the south metro Denver area will find all state and federal job service programs conveniently coordinated through the Arapahoe/Douglas Works Job Service Office.
The services of additional private recruiters who specialize in engineering, aviation, and related fields can be coordinated through SEBP once a site has been chosen.

 EXPANDING BUSINESS INCENTIVE PAYMENTS (PERSONAL PROPERTY)

The State of Colorado allows local taxing units to provide incentive payments to new or expanding companies. These payments are negotiated with the individual county, municipality, or school district, and can total as much as 50% of the amount of taxes levied by the jurisdiction on the personal property of the new or expanding business. This payment is allowed for a maximum of ten years. (Senate Bill 94-182)

  Additionally, Arapahoe County has unilaterally waived taxation on the first $15,000 of assessed value of personal property for all businesses.

  The taxing jurisdictions of Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, the City of Centennial, and the Cherry Creek and Douglas County schools have all participated in the incentive program in recent years. Incentives are granted by a vote of the respective governing commission, council, or board.

*SEBP has successfully negotiated incentive payments with both Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, and Cherry Creek Schools and the Douglas County School District.  We have also negotiated incentives for clients such as Merrill Lynch, Charles Schwab, Echostar, Cendant Corporation/Galileo International, First Data Corporation, Red Robin, Comcast, the Harris Corporation, Fast Enterprises & Ameriquest.

EXPEDITED PLAN REVIEW AND CONSTRUCTION PERMITTING

Development plan review and construction permitting may be expedited by the Arapahoe or Douglas County Board of Commissioners, or by local jurisdictions, to assist in the build-to-suit process for new and existing business facilities. A single point-of-contact can be arranged to handle all applications and requests.

This direct customer service is supplemented by the efforts of the Southeast Business Partnership, which can act as a liaison if any problems arise. SEBP also has direct access to most local elected officials, should there be a need to ensure smooth progress.

Many projects receive approval in 60 days or less. However, projects within certain areas with pre-approved site plans can receive even faster processing, in some cases within 30 days.

For further information on incentives available to Colorado businesses please visit the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade or see information on the Job Creation Performance Incentive fund and the Strategic Fund.

For more information please contact Lynn Myers at 303-531-8385