Incentives
Incentives
What are your business needs? Relocation? Start-up? The City of Cortez can help direct you to various programs offered locally, regionally and statewide. Check the links below or give our Economic Development office a call at 970-565-3402. The City of Cortez' Community and Economic Development office works closely with our partners to provide assistance to businesses.
Cortez City Government -- The Community and Economic Development office works with businesses and considers opportunities to waive or reduce sign permits, off street parking requirements and other fees (subject to City Council approval).
Business Beautification Mini Grant -- In order to assist small businesses in creating a positive commercial environment, the City of Cortez is accepting applications for its Cortez Business Beautification Mini Grant program. The City may provide a matching grant of up to $1,000 for the purchase of materials utilized in the enhancement of a business’s existing façade or primary public entrance. The program begins May 1, 2023 and ends September 30, 2023. Funds are limited. Requests will be considered on a first come, first served basis. More information and application.
Sidewalk Cost Share – The City of Cortez provides an annual sidewalk cost-share program to help residents and business owners either install new sidewalk or replace deteriorated sidewalks on their property. City of Cortez Sidewalk Cost Share
Regional Assistance
Montezuma County – Incentives include waiving or reducing high impact driveway permits or fees. Montezuma County does not assess a sales tax at this time. Areas of priority include manufacturing, warehousing, or value-added agriculture. Contact Montezuma County Administrator.
Region 9 Economic Development District - Region 9 is a Colorado non-profit community economic development corporation that promotes and coordinates economic development efforts throughout Southwest Colorado. They offer a Revolving loan program or "gap" financing to assist small business retention, expansion and job creation and a Micro-enterprise loan program for loans up to $100,000 for qualifying small businesses with five or fewer employees. In addition to loan programs, Region 9 EDD administers the Colorado Enterprise Zone Tax Credit program, has community data dashboards, and helps to administer different State and Federal programs.
State Assistance
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade: (OEDIT) creates a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. We advance the state’s economy through financial and technical programs under the leadership of the Governor and Executive Director.
Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit: This program provides a state income tax credit equal to 50% of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) paid by the business on the net new job growth for each calendar year in the credit period.
Location Neutral Employment Incentive: This program 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.
Strategic Fund Job Growth Incentive: This incentive gives a cash payment to companies that create and maintain new permanent jobs in Colorado for one year.
Skill Advance Colorado Job Training Grant: A customized job training program that focuses on companies relocating to or expanding in Colorado and provides funds to net new hires.
Advanced Industries Accelerator Program: These programs support job creation and innovation for businesses creating advanced technologies and operating in one of Colorado’s seven advanced industries.
Rural Jump-Start Tax Credit: This tax credit helps new businesses start in or move into rural, economically distressed areas and hire new employees.
Enterprise Zone Program: In designated enterprise zones, businesses are eligible for state income tax credits and sales and use tax exemptions for specific business investments.