Incentives

Opportunity Zone

Over half of Rio Blanco County is located within an Opportunity Zone. Opportunity Zones were enacted as part of the 2017 tax reform package (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) to address uneven economic recovery and persistent lack of growth that have left many communities across the country behind. This economic and community development tax incentive program provides a new impetus for private investors to support distressed communities through private equity investments in businesses and real estate ventures. The incentive is deferral, reduction and potential elimination of certain federal capital gains taxes. Learn more about Opportunity Zones here.

Rural Jump-Start

Rio Blanco County, CO offers businesses that will provide a new product or service to Colorado with a powerful set of tax credits that could eliminate your Colorado State Income Tax liability for a minimum of four years. Depending on eligibility, business owners can share that tax holiday with their employees as well, fully maximizing your ability to Jump Start your business in Rio Blanco County! Learn more about Rural Jump-Start here.

Enterprise Zone Tax Credits

Enterprise Zone Tax Credits are available to business owners in Meeker, Rangely and the unincorporated areas of Rio Blanco County.  This Program is designed to promote a business-friendly environment by offering state income tax credits that incentivize job opportunities, capital investment in your business, job training programs, employer sponsored health insurance, research and development, building rehabilitation, commercial vehicle investment, and financial contributions to community projects. Learn more about Enterprise Zone Tax Credits here.

List of Enterprise Tax Zone Credits

• EZ-Investment Tax Credit: Businesses investing in Enterprise Zones through business personal property can earn a 3% tax credit. Special rules for renewable energy equipment apply.
• EZ-Job Trailing: Companies that implement a qualified job-training program for their Enterprise Zone employees may earn an Income Tax credit of 12% of their eligible training costs.
• EZ-New Employee Credit: Businesses increasing their workforce may earn a state income tax credit of $1,100 per net new employee.
• EZ-Agricultural Processor: An additional tax credit of $500 per net new employee may be claimed by businesses adding value to agricultural commodities through manufacturing or processing.
• EZ-Enhanced Rural EZ: An additional tax credit of $2,000 per net new employee may be claimed for businesses in Enhanced Rural EZs - these are re-established every 2 years.
• EZ-Enhanced Rural Agricultural Processor: An additional tax credit of $500 per net new employee may be claimed if the business is an agricultural manufacturing or processing business in an Enhanced Rural EZ.
• EZ-Employer Sponsored Health Insurance: Offers businesses $1,000 per net new employee insured under a qualified health plan for which the employer pays at least 50% of the cost. This credit is available for the first two years the business is located in an enterprise zone. 
• EZ-Research and Development Tax Credit: Businesses conducting research and development may earn a 3% tax credit on the increase in such expenditures as compared to that of the prior 2 years. 
• EZ-Vacant Commercial Building Rehabilitation: Encourages redevelopment of vacant commercial property with a 25% credit for the cost of rehabilitation of a building that is at least 20 years old and has been completely vacant for at least 2 years. The credit is limited to $50,000 per building.
• EZ-Commercial Vehicle Investment Tax Credit: Investment in commercial trucks, truck tractors, tractors, or semitrailers, and associated parts registered in CO and based and used in an EZ may earn the taxpayer a 1.5% credit. 
• EZ-Contribution Projects: Enterprise Zone (EZ) Contribution Projects encourage community participation and public-private partnerships to revitalize EZs. EZ Administrators may propose projects for EZ Project status to implement the economic development plan of that specific EZ. EZ Administrators work with their communities to bring forward proposals that support local economic improvements, result in job creation/retention and business expansion, and have the support of the community. Colorado taxpayers may earn a 25% state income tax credit by contributing to targeted efforts.

To view the full list of state incentives: www.choosecolorado.com

About Meeker

Nestled in the White River Valley at the doorstep to the Flat Tops Wilderness and White River National Forest, Meeker is a quiet town off the beaten path. With it numerous outdoor amenities, annual sheepdog trials and charming downtown, Meeker attracts visitors from around the globe.  It's a place where bright minds can spend the morning developing the latest innovation in technology and the afternoons wading in first-class fishing streams. 

Meeker Economic Development Video - Your Place to Do Business

Meeker Community Links

Meeker Chamber of Commerce

Town of Meeker

Visit Meeker

About Rangely

Situated in stunning high desert terrain among deep canyons and immense mesas, Rangely is a town with an impressive history in prehistoric cultures. Rangely provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation from riding hundreds of miles of OHV trails to enjoying the only designated natural rock crawling park in Colorado.  It's where days can spent exploring the land where dinosaurs once roamed, whether by tire, foot or paddle-board.

Rangely Economic Development Video - Endless Oppotunity

Rangely Community Links

Rangely Chamber of Commerce

Town of Rangely