Mesa County Enterprise Zone
Business Tax Credits & Incentives
The Mesa County Enterprise Zone is dedicated to helping local businesses and organizations succeed with state tax credits issued in 2021 of $1,287,911 to private business and $1,496,733 to non-profit organizations. See the OEDIT 2021 Annual Report for more detailed information.
The Colorado Legislature created the Enterprise Zone program to promote economic development by offering state income tax credits to businesses for investment, expansion, and job creation. Non-profit organizations qualified by the Enterprise Zone can also benefit from these state income tax credits to the donors which encourages community involvement and support.
Mesa County has contracted with the Business Incubator Center to administer the program. To apply for business credits or contribution projects contact Michelle Krug or call 970-243-5242.
Types of Business Tax Credits
There are two types of tax credits within the Enterprise Zone Program
Business Tax Credits
Tax credits for Businesses located in the Enterprise Zone (need not OWN property, but must operate a revenue-generating business on the property)
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Donation Tax Credits
Tax credits for donations made to eligible Contribution Projects (non-profits who have been qualified for the program by Mesa County)
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Business Tax Credits
Businesses may qualify for more than one business tax credit.
Business Tax Credit Eligibility
In order to be eligible for the program, a business MUST pre-certify annually on the OEDIT website in order to validate that the business location is in the enterprise zone. Pre-certification applications can be made up to 90 days in advance of the business’ fiscal year. Application in advance of the business activity is required for eligibility to claim the tax credits.
For more information on the tax credits, and user guides to assist you in applying, click here.
*Consult your tax advisor for more information and to understand how the program may work for your particular business.
Up to 12% of eligible training costs
Up to $1,100 or more per net new employee
Up to 3% of an increase in research and development expenses
Up to 25% of rehabilitation costs (up to $50,000 in credits on $200,000 or more in costs) – this tax credit requires pre-approval in order to verify that the building meets the program criteria for vacancy
Up to 3% of business personal property investment
Sales and use tax exemption
Contribution Projects
Contribution Project Eligibility
The Mesa County Enterprise Zone Committee, made up of representatives from local government, economic development entities, chambers of commerce, higher education, and human services community, has established 4 economic development objectives for contribution project approval.
Only local non-profits which meet one or more of these goals and are either within the zone or materially serve it, will be considered for the program.
- Promote higher average wages, as well as support entry level/part time/low wage workforce with access to upskilling and/or self-employment opportunities, affordable medical care, and other critical services related to workforce stability and advancement.
- Promote economic growth in core industries of technology, manufacturing, tourism, medical hub, and natural resources through education, infrastructure, and facilities.
- Promote increased incoming money from out-of-area visitors and relocation of businesses and higher-skilled workers and their families to the Zone with recreation opportunities, tourism venues, social amenities, and enrichment programs.
- Promote retention of workers with workforce housing, and provide emergency and temporary homeless housing with programs to get unemployed/unhoused into the workforce.
Enterprise Zone Contribution Tax Credit
The Enterprise Zone Program provides a state tax credit to Colorado taxpayers for contributions to qualified projects.
Donations made to a certified contribution project may be eligible for a tax credit of up to:
- 25% of a cash donation
- 12.5% of an in-kind donation
Taxpayer credits are capped at $100,000 per taxpayer per tax year (there is a carry forward clause for up to five years). You are encouraged to consult your tax advisor for details on your specific tax situation.
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