PROGRAMS & INCENTIVES
Explore a Personalized Approach to Business Resources, Incentives, and Financing
Featured State and Federal Incentives
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Rural Jump-Start Zone Tax Credit Program
New and expanding businesses in Mesa County may be eligible for this “tax holiday” for up to eight years, that includes zero state income taxes; zero state and local sales and use taxes; zero county and municipal real and business personal property taxes; and zero state income taxes for employees.
Strategic Fund Incentive
The Strategic Fund Incentive supports and encourages new business development, business expansions, and relocations that generate new jobs throughout the State of Colorado. It is a cash incentive program for eligible businesses that create net new full-time jobs in the State of Colorado that are maintained for at least one year.
Opportunity Zones
Opportunity Zones are economically distressed community where certain new investments may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. There are seven Opportunity Zones in Colorado’s Grand Valley, which encompass most of central Grand Junction, including the new downtown river district, as well as Powderhorn Mountain Resort on the Grand Mesa.
Job Growth Tax Incentive
A performance-based program for businesses pursuing job creation projects that would otherwise not occur in Colorado. Businesses that create at least 20 net new jobs in Colorado within a credit period may be eligible for a state income tax credit equal to 50% of FICA paid.
Innovative Housing Incentive Program (IHIP)
A business located in Colorado that has 500 or fewer employees and that manufactures certain types of housing may apply for funding through the program. Funding may be awarded through grants for operating expenses and for incentives for units manufactured based on criteria established by the office such as affordability, location where the unit is installed in the state, or meeting energy efficiency standards. Funding may also be awarded through loans that fund a new housing manufacturing factory or the expansion of an existing housing manufacturing factory.
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Enterprise Zone
Mesa County is 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.”
Colorado FIRST / Existing Industry Customized Job Training
Customized job training programs that increase transferable job skills that support both the company’s economic competitiveness and enhance worker’s resumes and long-term employment opportunities. The program focuses on companies relocating to, or expanding in, Colorado and provides funds only to net new hires.
Manufacturing Sales and Use Tax Exemption
A local sales tax exemption on purchases of machinery and machine tools over $500 to be used directly and predominantly in manufacturing tangible personal property for sale.
Advanced Industries Export Grant
The Advanced Industries Export Grant helps Colorado-based advanced industries technology businesses who want to export or are currently exporting. This grant is for small- and medium-sized businesses. It reimburses for international business development and marketing costs. Businesses can apply for up to $15,000 and up to 50% of the approved expenses.
The Global Consultant Network is also funded through this program. Colorado-based businesses can receive consulting support to help them expand into other countries. Consulting services typically last between three and eight months.
Consultants offer these services:
- Market entry services
- In-country partner meetings
- Other services (cost dependent on service)
Advanced Industries Early-Stage Capital and Retention 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.
The market typically under-invests in early-stage technologies. The grant’s goal is to fill the gap left by the market. The grant is not meant to compete with existing funding.
The Global Business Development (GBD) division administers this grant in partnership with Colorado’s advanced industry trade associations and receives final approval from the Economic Development Commission.
Local Incentives
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Mesa County and City of Grand Junction Business Personal Property Tax Rebate
A new or existing business that invests a minimum of $1 million in new business facilities or equipment, and increases employment by 10% or one full-time employee, may receive a rebate for 100% of business personal property tax paid to Mesa County and the City of Grand Junction
City of Grand Junction Sales and Use Taxes on Manufacturing Consumables
Businesses have the opportunity to waive 100% of sales and use tax paid to the City of Grand Junction on manufacturing consumables used in the manufacturing process.
Grand Junction Economic Partnership Incentive Fund
GJEP’s Board of Directors may provide eligible businesses with cash incentives for capital expenditures and primary job creation in the Grand Valley.
On-the-Job Training Program
A limited-duration contract between an employer and the Mesa County Workforce Center that offsets wages while new employees are onboarding and training.
Resources From Our Partners
The Business Incubator Center
The Business Incubator Center (BIC) supports the launch, growth, and stabilization of business enterprises in Mesa County through a variety of programs, workshops, and events.
With over 60,000 square feet of space for clients in residents and an exceptional combination of staff and volunteer coaches, BIC offers programming including:
- Business Loan Fund
- Incubator Intensive Program
- Commercial Kitchen Program
- GJ Makerspace – an innovative shop for entrepreneurs, artists, and makers
- Co-working spaces and flexible short term lease options
- Business coaching and consulting
The Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce
With over 100 years of experience, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce (GJACC) works to promote a strong local economy for new and current businesses. The GJACC partners with approximately 950 business members representing over 37,000 employees in the region working to provide a voice for area businesses. Their variety of programming includes:
- Advocacy for pro-business policies at all levels
- Representation of business interests to leaders
- Networking for meaningful business connections
- Access to critical resources and expertise
- Workforce development to cultivate skilled labor
- Promotion of local businesses for economic vitality
- Hosting the Young Professionals Network of Mesa County and the Young Entrepreneurs Academy
The Fruita Chamber of Commerce
Serving the Fruita area and beyond, the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to facilitating productive relationships and helping local businesses succeed. Their variety of programming includes:
- Hosting business programs and networking events
- Providing member visibility and marketing opportunities
- Hosting the Women in Business and Veterans in Business networking groups
- Government Affairs Committee
- Organizing and hosting community events including Fruita Fall Festival and Fruita Farmers Market
The Palisade Chamber of Commerce
Serving the Palisade area and beyond, the Palisade Chamber of Commerce is committed to facilitating productive relationships and helping local businesses succeed. Their variety of programming includes:
- Hosting business programs and networking events
- Providing member visibility and marketing opportunities
- Supporting initiatives including tourism
- Organizing and hosting community events including Palisade Peach Festival
The Mesa County Workforce Center
The Mesa County Workforce Center provides no-cost workforce development services for businesses and job seekers including recruitment assistance, career guidance, and development workshops. Their services include:
- Hiring assistance, job postings job fairs, and applicant screenings
- Paid on-the-job employee training and internships
- Labor market and wage analysis services
- Employment assessment services
- Job profiling and descriptions
- Layoff aversion and rapid response
- Meeting center access and more
Colorado Mesa University & CMU Tech
As one of the fastest growing universities in the nation, Colorado Mesa University and CMU Tech are key drivers of our economy and workforce development. With over 10,000+ students entrolled, three campus locations, and a vareity of programs available, businesses can access a talent pool of eager minds ready to provide a fresh perspective.
Additionally, through CMU Tech, employers can take advantage of workforce development support including:
- Customized training for employees
- LEAN manufacturing training
- Certificate programs in a variety of industry clusters
- Safety trainings and more