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.

Program Overview

The Rural Jump-Start Zone program (based on Senate Bill 15-282) is a tax relief program for new businesses and new hires who locate into certain designated areas called Jump-Start zones. The program offers the following benefits:

• Relief from state income taxes for the new business
• Relief from the state sales & use tax for the new business
• Relief from county and municipal business personal property tax for the new business
• Relief from state income taxes for the employee
   

Program Structure

This program is jointly administered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), the Colorado Economic Development Commission (EDC), and the Colorado Department of Revenue. Rural Jump-Start is a joint effort between institutes of higher education, counties, municipalities, businesses and employees.

Businesses

A business that wishes to participate in this program must be a startup, new division, new joint ventures, or otherwise new businesses to the State of Colorado that is locating in the Rural Jump-Start zone. 

Employees

Employees who wish to participate in the program must be working for a business that has been approved by the EDC. Employees must be making at least the county median wage, and must work for the new business for six months to receive benefits.

How to Get Started

Learn if your business is eligible today by contacting John Bristol, Economic Development Director at the Steamboat Springs Chamber.

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