Incentives for Business

The Chamber’s Economic Development Program is a good first stop as you’re considering business relocation or expansion to Steamboat Springs or within Routt County. We can help with information about incentives and resources to get you started.

Enterprise Zone Tax Credits

Effective January 1, 2016, all of Routt County, including Steamboat Springs, is included in the Northwest Colorado Enterprise Zone. Qualifying businesses and approved community projects within the EZ are eligible for a variety of Colorado income tax credits. The Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado is the administrator of the Northwest EZ. For more information please visit AGNC or OEDIT.

Rural Jump-Start Program

The Rural Jump-Start Program is a great opportunity for new or expanding businesses to grow and succeed in Routt County. This program is part of a statewide effort to spur employment and grow rural economies in Colorado. As a qualifying startup, new division, new joint ventures, or otherwise new businesses to the State of Colorado, you are not only eligible for expansive tax credits, but you will gain access to a support network through our business community and our local academic partner, Colorado Mountain College.

Location Neutral Employment (LONE) Program

The Location Neutral Employment (LONE) Incentive provides companies that will be approved for a Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit with an additional cash incentive for each remote worker employed in an eligible rural county outside the county where the project is based. Routt County is classified as a “Just Transition Rural Jump-Start” county and that designation provides an even higher-level incentive for companies to hire remote workers residing in Routt County. For each remote worker the new-to-Colorado company hires, and that resides in Routt County, the company will receive a $5,000 incentive.

Other State of Colorado Incentives

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade works with statewide partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth.

OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level such as: business retention and relocation services; business finance and incentive programs; the Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Creative Industries; the Colorado International Trade Office; the Colorado Small Business Development Centers; Film, TV & Media; and minority and women-owned business services.

Learn more at the OEDIT Funding and Incentives page.