Local Resources
Small Business Development Center – Central Mountain Region
Hosted by Chaffee County, the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) located in the Central Mountain region supports businesses across Chaffee, Lake, and Park Counties. At this center, we offer no-cost, confidential business advising tailored to your needs. Whether you’re at the idea stage, starting up, looking to grow, or planning an exit, our local advisors and statewide mentors are here to support you every step of the way.
State & Federal Resources
Colorado Enterprise Zone
Portions of Chaffee County are a designated Colorado Enterprise Zone, providing businesses with tax credits for specific (pre-certified) business operations, including hiring new employees, providing employees with health insurance and job training, obtaining a new business facility, and purchasing new equipment, if they locate or expand in a designated “enterprise zone.”
Job Growth Tax Incentive
A performance-based incentive program that encourages businesses to create new jobs in Colorado that might not otherwise exist. Eligible companies that generate at least 20 net new positions within a set credit period may qualify for a state income tax credit equal to 50% of the FICA taxes paid on those jobs, supporting meaningful, long-term growth statewide.
Opportunity Zones
The Rural Jump-Start Program supports new businesses that start or relocate to rural communities in Colorado. Approved participants may receive benefits such as tax relief, cash grants, and other local incentives designed to encourage job creation, innovation, and long-term economic growth in designated rural areas across the state.
Skill Advance Colorado Job Training
The Strategic Fund Incentive supports businesses creating new jobs that drive economic growth in Colorado. It provides flexible grants to companies starting, expanding, or relocating within the state, helping offset costs tied to job creation, infrastructure, and capital investment while fostering long-term business success and strengthening Colorado’s workforce.
Colorado Advanced Industries Grant
The Advanced Industries Early-Stage Capital and Retention Grant helps Colorado-based advanced industries technology businesses develop and commercialize advanced technologies that will be created or manufactured in Colorado. Projects can receive up to $250,000. This grant award maximum can be lifted for projects that impact more than one advanced industry.
Colorado Innovative Housing Incentive
The Colorado First and Existing Industry Job Training Program provides grants to businesses in Colorado to train new or existing employees. The program helps improve worker skills, increase productivity, and support company growth, focusing on firms that are new to or expanding within the state while strengthening Colorado’s overall workforce and economy.
Colorado Employee Ownership Resources
Colorado Venture Capital Authority
The VCA’s objective is to support Colorado-based companies, particularly those in key industries that are expanding in the state. Their efforts align with the state’s economic goals, aiming to provide financial assistance to small businesses, especially those in underserved communities. By doing so, they help these businesses achieve greater stability and success, contributing to a thriving economy in Colorado.
Energize Colorado
Energize Colorado empowers small businesses across the state with lending, resources, and expert advising. Whether you run a neighborhood café or a childcare center, we’re here to help your business grow stronger. Access low-interest loans up to $150,000 designed specifically for Colorado small businesses.
Colorado Enterprise Fund
A certified Community Development Financial Institution based in Colorado, expanding access to financing and offering flexible terms to business owners when traditional lenders can’t. For over 45 years, Colorado Enterprise Fund has helped entrepreneurs start, grow, and thrive — creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and building more inclusive communities across the state.
B:Side Capital
A trusted Colorado-based lender and one-stop resource for SBA 504 and 7(a) financing. B:Side Capital partners with banks and business owners to make growth possible — helping entrepreneurs purchase real estate, expand operations, and strengthen local economies across the Rocky Mountain region.
Small Business Administration
The SBA supports entrepreneurs through funding programs, business counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery assistance. Our office connects small business owners with trusted partner organizations, local lenders, and community resources to help them start, grow, and thrive.
