BUSINESS RESOURCES
The CCEDC works diligently to develop programs and incentives that will move your business forward! This includes conducting an annual business retention & expansion survey that helps us better understand the needs of our business community, providing training and mentorship opportunities, acting as a liaison to create valuable partnerships, and identifying incentives and sources of funding to help you realize your business goals!
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Whether you are a seasoned developer looking to locate in Clear Creek County, or someone who has a dream of starting a small business, the CCEDC is a great place to start the conversation!
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Please note that not all resources listed on our website are CCEDC sponsored programs. We often promote business assistance initiatives provided by other organizations such as Clear Creek County, the Small Business Administration, and Energize CO, among others.
Business Loans
Region 3 CDBG Business Loan Program
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The CCEDC administers the Region 3 Business Loan Program (BLF) for Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties. Since 1985, the CCEDC has provided over $8M in business loans, which has leveraged approximately $17.5M in area investments. The goal of the loan program is to support business retention and expansion and new job growth within Region 3.
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Loans are generally between $2,000 and $200,000 but will be considered on a case by case basis. CCEDC loans may be used for the purchase of real estate, furniture, fixtures, and equipment, working capital, and inventory.
COVID-19 Response / Emergency Working Capital Loan Program
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Due to recent events, the CCEDC is offering low-interest, emergency working capital loans for existing businesses affected by COVID-19. The maximum loan request is $30,000; interest rate and term will be determined by the Loan Committee at the time of application. Please ensure submittals are complete with ALL required documentation - partial applications will NOT be reviewed.
Micro-Enterprise Loan Program
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The CCEDC administers a Micro-Enterprise Loan Fund for small businesses with capital needs of less than $100,000. Specific qualifying criteria include five or fewer employees at the time of application, and the owner(s) must qualify as low-to-moderate income.
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Funding for technical assistance is also available to develop solid business skills and improve the chance for success moving forward.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
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Our nation's small businesses are facing an unprecedented economic disruption due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. In addition to traditional SBA funding programs, the CARES Act and subsequent legislation established several new temporary programs to address the COVID-19 outbreak.
Business Leadership
& Mentorship
COVID-19 Strategic Business Practices Web Series​
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The CCEDC completed a series of six FREE webinars to help business owners navigate the challenges of COVID-19. Missed a course? No worries! You can view previous courses on our YouTube channel.
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Small Business Administration Online Courses​
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Whether you're looking to start a small business or expand your current one, SBA's digital learning platform has everything you need to educate yourself on entrepreneurial best practices and available financing options.
Business Incentives
Enterprise Zone Program
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Clear Creek County is a designated Enterprise Zone. The Colorado Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program is designed to promote a business-friendly environment in economically distressed areas by offering state income tax credits that incentivize businesses to locate and develop in, and non-profit organizations to assist with the needs of these communities.
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Private-sector business activity encouraged by these income tax incentives brings job opportunities and capital investment to economically distressed areas. The private investment results in tax revenue for school districts, cities, counties and the state, outweighing the costs of the tax credits granted.
Rural Jump-Start Program
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Clear Creek County is a designated Rural Jump-Start Zone. The Rural Jump-Start Zone program provides specific tax relief to New Businesses and New Hires of these businesses that are located in certain economically distressed areas of rural Colorado and align with local or regional state higher education institutions in order to promote economic development in these areas. This program is based on Senate Bill 15-282, and codified under Colorado Revised Statutes 39-30.5-101. This program is administered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the Colorado Economic Development Commission (EDC), in conjunction with other government entities.
Clear Creek County Water Bank
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Learn more about water resources available to augment development needs. Please contact the Clear Creek County Special Projects Division at 303-679-2434.
Idaho Springs Opportunity Zone
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The City of Idaho Springs (Census Track 148) is identified as a Colorado Opportunity Zone. In the broadest sense, the newly enacted federal Opportunity Zone (OZ) is a federal tax incentive for investors to invest in low-income urban and rural communities through the favorable treatment of reinvested capital gains and forgiveness of tax on new capital gains. Click on the link below to view the Opportunity Zone Investment Prospectus.
Local Incentives
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Clear Creek County and its municipalities will consider local incentives on a case-by-case basis. The CCEDC can assist as a liaison to get the conversation started!
CO.Starters Recovery Guide
CO.Starters has put together a comprehensive resource guide for small businesses facing COVID-19 related challenges.
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Workforce Development
Homegrown Talent Initiative
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Imagine families, schools, businesses, and higher education coming together to support students in finding their passions, engaging with their community, and developing new skills and competencies, all while simultaneously attaining the credentials necessary to qualify for a wide range of post-secondary pathways. The Homegrown Talent Initiative (HTI) aims to provide the resources and support needed to achieve this vision – to develop a Colorado where ALL students are lifelong learners.
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The CCEDC is assisting with facilitating connections between Clear Creek students and our business community, ultimately resulting in opportunities for business mentorship, student internships, leadership development, and more!
Attainable Housing
Clear Creek County Emergency Housing Assistance for
Rental & Mortgage Assistance
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Full-time County residents in need of immediate rental or mortgage assistance due to hardships from COVID-19 are eligible. The Program, administered by The Grand Foundation, provides limited, short term assistance to households that are vulnerable to eviction or foreclosure throughout the County and municipalities. Applications are first-come, first-serve and funds are distributed directly to the housing providers. Emergency requests may supersede this processing and special circumstances may apply. To apply, contact any of the following:
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The Grand Foundation 970-887-3111 ext 3 / megan@grandfoundation.com
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Clear Creek County Housing Department 720-361-9725 / srush@clearcreekcounty.us
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Clear Creek Community resource Center 303-670-7537 / smccaulley@clearcreekcounty.us
Volunteers of America Veterans Services
For more information on housing resources, please contact:
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Bobbie Woods, Outreach and Intake Coordinator
(Please include 'Veteran Information Request' in the subject line)
Riverbend Residences in Idaho Springs
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The Riverbend Residences in Idaho Springs are now open!