Enterprise Zone: Unlocking Growth & Incentives in Northwest Colorado
Established in 1973, AGNC is a collective representative for Northwestern Colorado Government entities to collaborate, address shared challenges, advance regional priorities, pool resources, and plan strategically for stronger, more resilient communities. As such, AGNC has been designated by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) as the administrator for the Northwest Enterprise Zone.
The Enterprise Zone Tax Credit programs reward individuals and businesses that invest in eligible projects within designated areas of Colorado. When you invest in a qualifying project or purchase, lease, or improve qualifying equipment, buildings, or property for your business or organization, you could earn Colorado state income tax credits. These credits help lower your tax bill while encouraging long-term economic growth. It’s a smart way to invest in your community or reinvest in your own operation and growth. Building an enterprise takes vision, and in Northwest Colorado, that vision is rewarded.
Interactive Enterprise Zone Map
The first step in accessing the Enterprize Zone Tax Credits program is to ensure that your entity is located within a designated Enterprise Zone. The Northwest Enterprise Zone includes areas within the counties of Clear Creek, Garfield, Gilpin, Grand, Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt. You can use the interactive map below to see if your location is in the Northwest Enterprise Zone. To use this map, type in your address in the top left-hand corner. You may need to scroll out to identify whether or not you are located within an enterprise zone. If your location is highlighted in a color, you are located in an enterprise zone. If your location is in a checkered colored area, it is located in an enhanced rural enterprise zone, unlocking additional tax credits.
2 Powerful Tools to Fuel Economic Growth
The Enterprise Zone isn’t just about tax credits—it’s about sparking real economic momentum. Every investment in our communities, businesses, and organizations fuels growth, strengthens vital resources, and helps diversify and energize local industries. Together, we’re not just building projects—we’re building a stronger, more resilient future for Northwest Colorado. The Enterprise Zone (EZ) program unlocks two powerful tools to fuel growth and deliver meaningful community impact: Business Tax Credits & EZ Contribution Projects. Whether you're looking to grow your business, strengthen your community, or support projects that matter, the Enterprise Zone is where opportunity starts.
Business Tax Credits offer up to 25% in Colorado state tax credits for those who invest in eligible for-profit business activities—turning strategic investments into real savings. For-profit business incentives include Business Tax Credits for job creation, capital investments, training, R&D, and more. Key incentives include:
Investment Tax Credit: A 3% credit on eligible capital investments.
Job Growth Incentive: Earn up to $1,100 per new job created.
Training & R&D Credits: Offset costs for employee training and in-state research.
Vacant Building Credit: Savings for repurposing underutilized commercial spaces.
Although we can't give you specific tax advice, we can help guide your business through the process, from pre-certification to claiming your tax credit. Just fill out the Project Interest Form and we will send you the step-by-step instructions, or you can view the instructions and download the Enterprise Zone Tax Guide here.
EZ Contribution Projects provide a unique opportunity for individuals and businesses to support qualifying nonprofit and public initiatives—like workforce housing, tourism, healthcare, and economic development—with the added benefit of a state income tax credit.
For non-profits with an economic development project needing to incentivize funding – Contribution Projects offer nonprofits in Northwest Colorado a powerful incentive to attract charitable donations that support high-impact community initiatives. Once approved, these projects allow donors to receive up to 25% in Colorado state income tax credits for cash contributions—significantly enhancing fundraising potential. From expanding access to healthcare, to supporting workforce development, affordable housing, and community infrastructure, EZ Contribution Projects help nonprofits turn local generosity into lasting change. If your organization is working to meet critical needs in an economically distressed area, becoming an EZ Contribution Project can be a game-changing tool to accelerate your mission.
We will help guide you through the entire contribution project process from application to administration. Just fill out the Project Insterest Form and we will set up a meeting to discuss your application. You can also access the EZ Contribution Tax Credit Guide here.
Ready to Unlock Your Opportunity?
A wide range of projects can qualify for Enterprise Zone benefits—from startups to established businesses, nonprofits, and local governments. Whether you're improving community resources, expanding infrastructure, or launching a new initiative, Enterprise Zone support is available to help drive development, investment, and positive economic impact across the region. We're here to help you get started!
- Learn more about the STATEWIDE OEDIT Enterprise Zone Program here.
- Use the interactive map above to see if your project is locted in the designated Northwest Enterprise Zone.
- If it is, complete the Project Interest Form below.
- Our team will review your submission and connect with you about the incentives you may be eligible to receive.