Locally sponsored by the county and municipal governing bodies, up to $10 million of tax-exempt private activity bonds are available per qualified manufacturing project through the statewide allocation. Typically, tax-exempt bonds offer an interest rate 70% - 80% of the prime rate. Total project costs cannot exceed $10 million. Bond proceeds can be used for land acquisition, site improvements, building construction, and purchase of machinery and equipment.

Economic Development Commissions Funds
The State of Colorado offers, on a per project basis, low interest loan assistance to businesses for new locations or expansions in Colorado, authorized by the Colorado Economic Development Commission (EDC). Amounts and terms of the loans are determined by the EDC. Loan proceeds can be used for construction and operating capital.

Customized Job Training Grants
The State of Colorado’s Customized Job Training Programs make grants available to businesses training new employees (through the Colorado FIRST Program) or re-training existing employees (through the Existing Industry Training Program). These programs, administered through the State Office of Business Development and the State Community College and occupation educational system, offer assistance to companies to help cover the costs associated with training and re-training employees. The typical job-training grant averages $400 per trainee. Arapahoe Community College can assist with customized training activities through company-approved curricula.

County/ Local Incentives

“One Stop Shopping” Employee Recruitment Services
The Colorado Works! Programs offer customized solutions to employee recruiting, screening, and training needs. Employers in the south metro Denver area will find all state and federal job service programs conveniently coordinated through the Arapahoe/Douglas Works Job Service Office.

New/Expanding Business Incentive Payments (personal property)
The State of Colorado allows local taxing units to provide incentive payments to new or expanding companies. These payments are negotiated with the individual county, municipality, or school district, and can total as much as 50% of the amount of taxes levied by the jurisdiction on the personal property of the new or expanding business. This payment is allowed for a maximum of ten years. (Senate Bill 94-182, as mended)

The taxing jurisdictions of Douglas County and Douglas County schools have participated in the incentive program in recent years. Incentives are granted by a vote of the respective governing commission, council, or board.

Plan Review and Construction Permitting – Expedited Plan Review
Development plan review and construction permitting is typically achieved in the City of Lone Tree in 90 days or less, a significant incentive (and advantage) over many other local and national jurisdictions. A single point-of-contact can be arranged to handle all applications and requests.

Sales Tax Share Back
The City of Lone Tree is committed to exceptional quality development within its boundaries. To achieve this goal, it has some of the most stringent design requirements in the metro area. To encourage businesses to renovate buildings that may not meet current design guidelines, the City will consider, on a case-by-case basis, granting a sales tax share-back to businesses that invest in the renovation and upgrade of the exterior of a building to meet these high standards.

To qualify, businesses must construct facilities that meet or exceed current design guidelines, and generate enough sales tax revenue to justify the investment. Contact the Community Development Director or the Economic Development Director for more information.