Fund and Finance Your Business

Metro Denver EDC
Connect with the Metro Denver EDC for opportunities to grow or relocate in Denver.  

Explore programs and funding opportunities offered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade.

Xcel Incentives and Resources
Xcel Energy offers several resources for businesses including an economic development rate, new building programs, and energy saving programs.

This tax credit on state income taxes, up to $50,000, offers financial support to newly created employee-owned businesses for costs directly associated with becoming an employee-owned business.

Xcel Lighting and Equipment Rebate Programs
Xcel Energy has a series of rebates to help your business with the cost of lighting and equipment.

This program, administered by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, provides a cash deposit for collateral (up to 35% of loan or $1 million) to small and medium-sized businesses transitioning to employee ownership.

Xcel offers rebates on new energy-efficient foodservice equipment to help you reduce your business’ energy usage and save money.

This grant, administered by the Colorado Community College System, provides up to $2,800 per trainee up to a maximum of $150,000 for businesses new to Colorado seeking customized training net new hires.

Denver Water offers rebates for businesses that install efficient equipment including laundry, ware washing equipment, urinals, toilets, submeters etc.

This grant, administered by the Colorado Community College System, provides up to $2,500 per trainee up to a maximum of $150,000 for Colorado businesses seeking to adapt their workforce to new technology.  

The LTAP can provide funding for businesses that are looking to convert landscapes away from thirsty and expensive Kentucky bluegrass towards climate resilient landscape.

This refundable tax credit for state income tax is available to businesses acquiring facilities or equipment for training programs designed to alleviate talent shortages in advanced industries. The credit is up to 50% of the estimated value of the facility or equipment.

The Water Efficiency System Development Credit rewards developers who integrate advanced water-saving measures into their projects.

This program provides loans up to $150,000 for small businesses with annual revenue less than $2 million. Loans can be accessed from the following providers: B:Side Fund, CEDS Finance, and Colorado Enterprise Fund.

Get matched to potential lenders funding with competitive rates and fees.

The Venture Capital Authority invests in seed and early-stage startups in amounts ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. Denver businesses can access this funding through: Avesta Colorado Fund, the Colorado ONE Fund, or the FirstMile Venture Fund.

Businesses that make investments in Opportunity Zones can defer tax on eligible gains.

This grant provides up to $250,000 for Colorado-based businesses in advanced industries to commercialize technologies that will be created or manufactured in Colorado.  

This loan, funded by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and administered by 1st Southwest Bank, provides 4% fixed rate loans, up to $750,000, to businesses that transform, package, process, store, support, or grade Colorado farm or ranch products.

This grant provides up to $15,000 to Colorado-based small or medium-sized businesses in advanced industries for international business development and exporting support.

This refundable tax credit, administered by the Colorado Energy Office, is for Colorado manufacturing facilities exploring and implementing greenhouse gas reduction projects.

This program, administered by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, helps Colorado-based small businesses get access to bank loans who would otherwise not be able to secure private financing by funding 1% of loan principal with the lender. Applicants must match the state’s funding.

This program provides innovative, efficient lending services that are tailored to meet the needs of small businesses seeking support.

This tax credit on state income taxes increases access to employee-ownership business models by covering up to 50% of the conversion cost.  

CEDS Finance provides financing to low-income, Muslim, BIPOC, refugee and immigrant business owners in Colorado, helping them start and strengthen their businesses and empower themselves financially.