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Program Summary
The Enterprise Zone Contribution Tax Credit provides a tax credit to Colorado taxpayers that contribute to targeted enterprise zone projects. When taxpayers make a certified contribution, they can claim:
- 25% of a cash donation as a state income tax credit
- 12.5% of an in-kind donation as a state income tax credit
The amount of this tax credit is capped at $100,000 per taxpayer per tax year. If you cannot use all of your credits in a given tax year, you can carry forward the balance up to five years.
The Colorado legislature created the Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program to encourage development in economically distressed areas of the state. The 16 designated enterprise zones have high unemployment rates, low per capita income, or slow population growth.
Local enterprise zone administrators work with local partners on proposals for contribution projects with defined timelines that improve the economy, create and retain jobs, expand businesses, and have community support.
Local nonprofit organizations and government entities manage contribution projects, and Local enterprise zone administrators review and advise contribution projects. The Colorado Economic Development Commission sets enterprise zone policies and approves all contribution projects.
We recommend also reviewing the Enterprise Zone Income Tax Credit Guide for the complete eligibility requirements.
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Overview
Type: Tax credit
For: Businesses located in enterprise zones and investors
Amount: 12.5% of an in-kind donation and 25% of a cash donation
Application deadline: Rolling
OEDIT division: Business Funding and Incentives
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Program Summary
The Enterprise Zone Contribution Tax Credit provides a tax credit to Colorado taxpayers that contribute to targeted enterprise zone projects. When taxpayers make a certified contribution, they can claim:
- 25% of a cash donation as a state income tax credit
- 12.5% of an in-kind donation as a state income tax credit
The amount of this tax credit is capped at $100,000 per taxpayer per tax year. If you cannot use all of your credits in a given tax year, you can carry forward the balance up to five years.
The Colorado legislature created the Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program to encourage development in economically distressed areas of the state. The 16 designated enterprise zones have high unemployment rates, low per capita income, or slow population growth.
Local enterprise zone administrators work with local partners on proposals for contribution projects with defined timelines that improve the economy, create and retain jobs, expand businesses, and have community support.
Local nonprofit organizations and government entities manage contribution projects, and Local enterprise zone administrators review and advise contribution projects. The Colorado Economic Development Commission sets enterprise zone policies and approves all contribution projects.
We recommend also reviewing the Enterprise Zone Income Tax Credit Guide for the complete eligibility requirements.
OverviewType: Tax credit
For: Businesses located in enterprise zones and investors
Amount: 12.5% of an in-kind donation and 25% of a cash donation
Application deadline: Rolling
OEDIT division: Business Funding and Incentives
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Eligible businesses
Both new and existing businesses located in enterprise zones may qualify for the credit. For businesses that open in the middle of a tax year, you will need to prorate the credit based on the number of full calendar months during the year that the business operated in the zone.
Businesses need to be legal under both state and federal law. For example, businesses in the marijuana industry do not qualify for this tax credit.
Eligible investors
Any Colorado taxpayer can support an enterprise zone contribution project. You do not have to live or work in the enterprise zone to invest.
Eligible managing organizations
The enterprise zone administrator may engage with eligible entities engaged in improving economic conditions within enterprise zones. The organization managing the project needs to be a governmental entity or a nonprofit in Good Standing with the Colorado Secretary of State. Either an entire organization or a specific program/project of the organization may be eligible to manage an enterprise zone contribution project.
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Eligible businesses, investors, and managing organizations
Eligible businesses
Both new and existing businesses located in enterprise zones may qualify for the credit. For businesses that open in the middle of a tax year, you will need to prorate the credit based on the number of full calendar months during the year that the business operated in the zone.
Businesses need to be legal under both state and federal law. For example, businesses in the marijuana industry do not qualify for this tax credit.
Eligible investors
Any Colorado taxpayer can support an enterprise zone contribution project. You do not have to live or work in the enterprise zone to invest.
Eligible managing organizations
The enterprise zone administrator may engage with eligible entities engaged in improving economic conditions within enterprise zones. The organization managing the project needs to be a governmental entity or a nonprofit in Good Standing with the Colorado Secretary of State. Either an entire organization or a specific program/project of the organization may be eligible to manage an enterprise zone contribution project.
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An enterprise zone contribution project needs to:
- support the documented economic development goals for the enterprise zone
- link to job creation and retention and/or business expansion in the broader enterprise zone (not only at the project organization)
- have support from the enterprise zone administrator and community
We've compiled a list of Active Contribution Projects to consider investing in.
Project types
Generally, contribution projects are either capital campaigns and operations projects. If a project does not match the types below, the project may still be eligible if it supports specific and documented economic development objectives for the enterprise zone.
Capital campaign projects
Capital campaign projects encourage public/private partnerships, raise money for a specific capital project to serve the broader community, and begin construction or implementation within five years. Capital campaign project categories are:
- community facilities
- workforce housing
- tourist attractions
- infrastructure
Operations projects
Operations projects fund new economic activity in the enterprise zone to achieve near-term goals. Operations project categories are:
- business assistance
- economic development organizations
- job training programs
- visitor events/attractions
- healthcare
- homeless housing and employment services
Social services are not typically eligible for contribution project status because they do not achieve near-term economic development goals. These include:
- education
- food subsidies and food banks
- child care and youth activities
- eldercare
- homeless prevention
- most human services
- animal shelters and humane societies
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Active contribution projects
An enterprise zone contribution project needs to:
- support the documented economic development goals for the enterprise zone
- link to job creation and retention and/or business expansion in the broader enterprise zone (not only at the project organization)
- have support from the enterprise zone administrator and community
We've compiled a list of Active Contribution Projects to consider investing in.
Project types
Generally, contribution projects are either capital campaigns and operations projects. If a project does not match the types below, the project may still be eligible if it supports specific and documented economic development objectives for the enterprise zone.
Capital campaign projects
Capital campaign projects encourage public/private partnerships, raise money for a specific capital project to serve the broader community, and begin construction or implementation within five years. Capital campaign project categories are:
- community facilities
- workforce housing
- tourist attractions
- infrastructure
Operations projects
Operations projects fund new economic activity in the enterprise zone to achieve near-term goals. Operations project categories are:
- business assistance
- economic development organizations
- job training programs
- visitor events/attractions
- healthcare
- homeless housing and employment services
Social services are not typically eligible for contribution project status because they do not achieve near-term economic development goals. These include:
- education
- food subsidies and food banks
- child care and youth activities
- eldercare
- homeless prevention
- most human services
- animal shelters and humane societies
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Follow these steps to contribute to and claim this tax credit.
- When you donate to an approved enterprise zone contribution project, give the project organization your Colorado Account Number or the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
- The project organization will submit your contribution to the local enterprise zone administrator for review to ensure that the contribution will be applied to the specific contribution project activities and objectives.
- The contributor will receive a tax credit certificate documenting their contribution.
- To claim the tax credit, the taxpayer needs to submit the tax credit certificate and form DR 1366 when they e-file their Colorado tax return.
Contact your local enterprise zone administrator with questions.
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How to contribute
Follow these steps to contribute to and claim this tax credit.
- When you donate to an approved enterprise zone contribution project, give the project organization your Colorado Account Number or the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
- The project organization will submit your contribution to the local enterprise zone administrator for review to ensure that the contribution will be applied to the specific contribution project activities and objectives.
- The contributor will receive a tax credit certificate documenting their contribution.
- To claim the tax credit, the taxpayer needs to submit the tax credit certificate and form DR 1366 when they e-file their Colorado tax return.
Contact your local enterprise zone administrator with questions.
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Eligible businesses
Both new and existing businesses located in enterprise zones may qualify for the credit. For businesses that open in the middle of a tax year, you will need to prorate the credit based on the number of full calendar months during the year that the business operated in the zone.
Businesses need to be legal under both state and federal law. For example, businesses in the marijuana industry do not qualify for this tax credit.
Eligible investors
Any Colorado taxpayer can support an enterprise zone contribution project. You do not have to live or work in the enterprise zone to invest.
Eligible managing organizations
The enterprise zone administrator may engage with eligible entities engaged in improving economic conditions within enterprise zones. The organization managing the project needs to be a governmental entity or a nonprofit in Good Standing with the Colorado Secretary of State. Either an entire organization or a specific program/project of the organization may be eligible to manage an enterprise zone contribution project.
An enterprise zone contribution project needs to:
- support the documented economic development goals for the enterprise zone
- link to job creation and retention and/or business expansion in the broader enterprise zone (not only at the project organization)
- have support from the enterprise zone administrator and community
We've compiled a list of Active Contribution Projects to consider investing in.
Project types
Generally, contribution projects are either capital campaigns and operations projects. If a project does not match the types below, the project may still be eligible if it supports specific and documented economic development objectives for the enterprise zone.
Capital campaign projects
Capital campaign projects encourage public/private partnerships, raise money for a specific capital project to serve the broader community, and begin construction or implementation within five years. Capital campaign project categories are:
- community facilities
- workforce housing
- tourist attractions
- infrastructure
Operations projects
Operations projects fund new economic activity in the enterprise zone to achieve near-term goals. Operations project categories are:
- business assistance
- economic development organizations
- job training programs
- visitor events/attractions
- healthcare
- homeless housing and employment services
Social services are not typically eligible for contribution project status because they do not achieve near-term economic development goals. These include:
- education
- food subsidies and food banks
- child care and youth activities
- eldercare
- homeless prevention
- most human services
- animal shelters and humane societies
Follow these steps to contribute to and claim this tax credit.
- When you donate to an approved enterprise zone contribution project, give the project organization your Colorado Account Number or the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
- The project organization will submit your contribution to the local enterprise zone administrator for review to ensure that the contribution will be applied to the specific contribution project activities and objectives.
- The contributor will receive a tax credit certificate documenting their contribution.
- To claim the tax credit, the taxpayer needs to submit the tax credit certificate and form DR 1366 when they e-file their Colorado tax return.
Contact your local enterprise zone administrator with questions.
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Program Manager
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Other State Incentives for Charitable Contributions
Gross Conservation Easement Credit
You can earn an income tax credit when you donate a perpetual conservation easement in gross on real property in Colorado.
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Connect Further
Other State Incentives for Charitable ContributionsGross Conservation Easement Credit
You can earn an income tax credit when you donate a perpetual conservation easement in gross on real property in Colorado.
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Program Summary
The Enterprise Zone Manufacturing Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Manufacturing and Mining expands the Manufacturing Sales and Use Tax Exemption (PDF). It expands eligibility to non-capitalized machinery, parts and tools to repair machinery, and to machinery used in mining.
The Colorado legislature created the Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program to encourage development in economically distressed areas of the state. The 16 designated enterprise zones have high unemployment rates, low per capita income, or slow population growth.
We recommend reviewing the Enterprise Zone Income Tax Credit Guide for the complete eligibility requirements.
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Overview
Type: Tax credit
For: Businesses located in enterprise zones
Application deadline: Rolling
OEDIT division: Business Funding and Incentives
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Program Summary
The Enterprise Zone Manufacturing Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Manufacturing and Mining expands the Manufacturing Sales and Use Tax Exemption (PDF). It expands eligibility to non-capitalized machinery, parts and tools to repair machinery, and to machinery used in mining.
The Colorado legislature created the Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program to encourage development in economically distressed areas of the state. The 16 designated enterprise zones have high unemployment rates, low per capita income, or slow population growth.
We recommend reviewing the Enterprise Zone Income Tax Credit Guide for the complete eligibility requirements.
OverviewType: Tax credit
For: Businesses located in enterprise zones
Application deadline: Rolling
OEDIT division: Business Funding and Incentives
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Eligible businesses
Both new and existing businesses located in enterprise zones may qualify for the credit. For businesses that open in the middle of a tax year, you will need to prorate the credit based on the number of full calendar months during the year that the business operated in the zone.
Businesses need to be legal under both state and federal law. For example, businesses in the marijuana industry do not qualify for this tax credit.
Any Colorado business can claim an exemption from sales and use taxes if machinery, machine tools, or their parts:
- are used in Colorado
- were purchased for more than $500
- would have qualified for the federal investment tax credit provided by Section 38 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code
- are used directly and predominantly in manufacturing tangible personal property for sale or profit
Colorado law defines machinery as any apparatus consisting of interrelated parts used to produce an article of tangible personal property. The term includes both the basic unit and any adjunct or attachment necessary for the basic unit to accomplish its intended function. Machinery, machine tools, and parts thereof needs to also meet requirements under federal law to qualify for the Colorado exemption.
Enterprise zone status
If your business is in an enterprise zone, and the qualified machinery, machine tools, and their parts thereof that are used solely and exclusively in an enterprise zone, your business may claim an expanded sales and use tax exemption in three ways:
- The exemption applies additionally to materials for the construction or repair of machinery or machine tools.
- In addition to manufacturing, the exemption is allowed for machinery and machine tools used directly and predominantly in refining, blasting, exploring, mining and mined land reclamation, quarrying for, processing and beneficiation, or otherwise extracting from the earth or from waste or stockpiles or from pits or banks any natural resource.
- The exemption applies whether your business capitalizes or expenses the machinery or machine tools.
- If your business uses the machinery or machine tools both inside and outside an enterprise zone, you are not eligible for this exemption.
Haul trucks qualify for this exemption if they are both used:
- exclusively in an enterprise zone
- directly and predominantly in refining, blasting, exploring, mining and mined land reclamation, quarrying for, processing and beneficiation, or otherwise extracting from the earth or from waste or stockpiles or from pits or banks any natural resource
The expanded enterprise zone exemption does not apply to blasting caps, explosives, detonators, fuses, or cords.
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Application Checklist
- Narrative or video response
- Career advancement award budget summary form—embedded into online application
- Resume as an individual artist or a short summary of your business
- Work samples, at least one and up to three
- Certificate of “Good Standing” from the Colorado Secretary of State, within the last 3 months —Universities and municipalities are exempt
- Letter of acceptance or evidence of exclusive invitation—Only for exhibit, festival, or vendor showcases
- Consultant’s professional bio or resume and signed ‘Letter of Commitment’ on letterhead from proposed consultant—Only for those requesting funds for consultant
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Eligible businesses, investors, and managing organizations
Eligible businesses
Both new and existing businesses located in enterprise zones may qualify for the credit. For businesses that open in the middle of a tax year, you will need to prorate the credit based on the number of full calendar months during the year that the business operated in the zone.
Businesses need to be legal under both state and federal law. For example, businesses in the marijuana industry do not qualify for this tax credit.
Any Colorado business can claim an exemption from sales and use taxes if machinery, machine tools, or their parts:
- are used in Colorado
- were purchased for more than $500
- would have qualified for the federal investment tax credit provided by Section 38 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code
- are used directly and predominantly in manufacturing tangible personal property for sale or profit
Colorado law defines machinery as any apparatus consisting of interrelated parts used to produce an article of tangible personal property. The term includes both the basic unit and any adjunct or attachment necessary for the basic unit to accomplish its intended function. Machinery, machine tools, and parts thereof needs to also meet requirements under federal law to qualify for the Colorado exemption.
Enterprise zone status
If your business is in an enterprise zone, and the qualified machinery, machine tools, and their parts thereof that are used solely and exclusively in an enterprise zone, your business may claim an expanded sales and use tax exemption in three ways:
- The exemption applies additionally to materials for the construction or repair of machinery or machine tools.
- In addition to manufacturing, the exemption is allowed for machinery and machine tools used directly and predominantly in refining, blasting, exploring, mining and mined land reclamation, quarrying for, processing and beneficiation, or otherwise extracting from the earth or from waste or stockpiles or from pits or banks any natural resource.
- The exemption applies whether your business capitalizes or expenses the machinery or machine tools.
- If your business uses the machinery or machine tools both inside and outside an enterprise zone, you are not eligible for this exemption.
Haul trucks qualify for this exemption if they are both used:
- exclusively in an enterprise zone
- directly and predominantly in refining, blasting, exploring, mining and mined land reclamation, quarrying for, processing and beneficiation, or otherwise extracting from the earth or from waste or stockpiles or from pits or banks any natural resource
The expanded enterprise zone exemption does not apply to blasting caps, explosives, detonators, fuses, or cords.
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To claim this tax credit, complete form DR 1191 or DR 1192 through the Colorado Department of Revenue.
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How to qualify for and claim this exemption
To claim this tax credit, complete form DR 1191 or DR 1192 through the Colorado Department of Revenue.
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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.
Eligible businesses
Both new and existing businesses located in enterprise zones may qualify for the credit. For businesses that open in the middle of a tax year, you will need to prorate the credit based on the number of full calendar months during the year that the business operated in the zone.
Businesses need to be legal under both state and federal law. For example, businesses in the marijuana industry do not qualify for this tax credit.
Any Colorado business can claim an exemption from sales and use taxes if machinery, machine tools, or their parts:
- are used in Colorado
- were purchased for more than $500
- would have qualified for the federal investment tax credit provided by Section 38 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code
- are used directly and predominantly in manufacturing tangible personal property for sale or profit
Colorado law defines machinery as any apparatus consisting of interrelated parts used to produce an article of tangible personal property. The term includes both the basic unit and any adjunct or attachment necessary for the basic unit to accomplish its intended function. Machinery, machine tools, and parts thereof needs to also meet requirements under federal law to qualify for the Colorado exemption.
Enterprise zone status
If your business is in an enterprise zone, and the qualified machinery, machine tools, and their parts thereof that are used solely and exclusively in an enterprise zone, your business may claim an expanded sales and use tax exemption in three ways:
- The exemption applies additionally to materials for the construction or repair of machinery or machine tools.
- In addition to manufacturing, the exemption is allowed for machinery and machine tools used directly and predominantly in refining, blasting, exploring, mining and mined land reclamation, quarrying for, processing and beneficiation, or otherwise extracting from the earth or from waste or stockpiles or from pits or banks any natural resource.
- The exemption applies whether your business capitalizes or expenses the machinery or machine tools.
- If your business uses the machinery or machine tools both inside and outside an enterprise zone, you are not eligible for this exemption.
Haul trucks qualify for this exemption if they are both used:
- exclusively in an enterprise zone
- directly and predominantly in refining, blasting, exploring, mining and mined land reclamation, quarrying for, processing and beneficiation, or otherwise extracting from the earth or from waste or stockpiles or from pits or banks any natural resource
The expanded enterprise zone exemption does not apply to blasting caps, explosives, detonators, fuses, or cords.
To claim this tax credit, complete form DR 1191 or DR 1192 through the Colorado Department of Revenue.
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Program Manager
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Other State Incentives for Charitable Contributions
Charitable Contribution Subtraction (PDF)
Anyone who claims the standard deduction on their federal income tax return (and cannot itemize charitable contributions on their federal return) can still subtract a portion of charitable contributions on their Colorado return.
Childcare Contribution Credit (PDF)
You can claim a 50% income tax credit on monetary contributions to certain child care facilities and programs in Colorado.
Gross Conservation Easement Credit
You can earn an income tax credit when you donate a perpetual conservation easement in gross on real property in Colorado.
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Connect Further
Related ProgramsEnterprise Zone New Employee Tax Credit
Enterprise Zone Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance Tax Credit
Enterprise Zone Job Training Tax Credit
Enterprise Zone Research and Development Tax Credit
Enterprise Zone Vacant Commercial Building Rehabilitation Tax Credit
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The Colorado Rural Academy For Tourism
The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) developed the Colorado Rural Academy For Tourism (CRAFT) to help communities integrate tourism into their economic development strategies. The program also helps communities develop new visitor experiences aimed at attracting increased traveler spending.
By focusing on cultural tourism, culinary and agritourism, outdoor recreation, tourism marketing and visitor management, CRAFT empowers rural tourism partners to inspire new forms of travel to and within their destination, enhance their destination’s tourism product, conserve cultural and natural assets and improve residential quality of life.
The Colorado Tourism Office has held 96 unique CRAFT programs and awarded implementation funding to 33 tourism projects across the state since 2014.
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The Colorado Rural Academy For Tourism
The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) developed the Colorado Rural Academy For Tourism (CRAFT) to help communities integrate tourism into their economic development strategies. The program also helps communities develop new visitor experiences aimed at attracting increased traveler spending.
By focusing on cultural tourism, culinary and agritourism, outdoor recreation, tourism marketing and visitor management, CRAFT empowers rural tourism partners to inspire new forms of travel to and within their destination, enhance their destination’s tourism product, conserve cultural and natural assets and improve residential quality of life.
The Colorado Tourism Office has held 96 unique CRAFT programs and awarded implementation funding to 33 tourism projects across the state since 2014.
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Objectives of the CRAFT program are to:
- increase collaboration between diverse stakeholders within a destination to build relationships and trust
- engage in group discussions about the changes you want to see in your destination
- identify short, medium, and long term strategies to realize this change
- prioritize short term strategies and develop collaborative work plans to implement them
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Objectives
Objectives of the CRAFT program are to:
- increase collaboration between diverse stakeholders within a destination to build relationships and trust
- engage in group discussions about the changes you want to see in your destination
- identify short, medium, and long term strategies to realize this change
- prioritize short term strategies and develop collaborative work plans to implement them
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Through the CRAFT program, we hope to achieve:
- increased tourism knowledge and related skills
- increased collaboration and capacity to manage tourism
- increased access to funding and technical assistance to advance tourism projects
- enhanced visitor readiness and visitor experience
- enhanced reputation through increased promotion
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Outcomes
Through the CRAFT program, we hope to achieve:
- increased tourism knowledge and related skills
- increased collaboration and capacity to manage tourism
- increased access to funding and technical assistance to advance tourism projects
- enhanced visitor readiness and visitor experience
- enhanced reputation through increased promotion
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Through the CRAFT program, we hope to achieve:
- increased tourism knowledge and related skills
- increased collaboration and capacity to manage tourism
- increased access to funding and technical assistance to advance tourism projects
- enhanced visitor readiness and visitor experience
- enhanced reputation through increased promotion
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CRAFT Studio 101
This program supported destinations that were in the early stages of integrating tourism into their economic development strategies by providing tourism education and training. Participants received $10,000 of implementation funding upon completion.
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CRAFT Workshops
These workshops provided training and facilitated discussions for tourism destinations that wanted to advance a tourism-related strategy relating to a specific industry segment or visitor experience. Participants received $2,500 of implementation funding upon completion.
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CRAFT Programs
CRAFT Studio 101
This program supported destinations that were in the early stages of integrating tourism into their economic development strategies by providing tourism education and training. Participants received $10,000 of implementation funding upon completion.
CRAFT Workshops
These workshops provided training and facilitated discussions for tourism destinations that wanted to advance a tourism-related strategy relating to a specific industry segment or visitor experience. Participants received $2,500 of implementation funding upon completion.
CRAFT Studio 201
This program provided 100 hours of customized mentoring for tourism destinations that wanted to advance a specific tourism-related goal or strategy. Participants received $7,500 of implementation funding upon completion.
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CRAFT Learning Labs
This program provides Colorado tourism professionals with access to free educational content that supports continued learning opportunities related to the tourism industry. Learning labs are available on topics such as adventure tourism, sustainable tourism, and tourism marketing.
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CRAFT Mentor
This program provided up to 50 hours of mentoring for tourism-related entities that wanted to advance a specific tourism-related goal or strategy. Participants received $1,000 of implementation funding upon completion.
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CRAFT Mentor
This program provided up to 50 hours of mentoring for tourism-related entities that wanted to advance a specific tourism-related goal or strategy. Participants received $1,000 of implementation funding upon completion.
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The Colorado Rural Academy For Tourism (CRAFT) was a series of programs that helped communities integrate tourism into their economic development strategies.
Focusing on cultural tourism, culinary and agritourism, outdoor recreation, tourism marketing and visitor management, CRAFT helped rural tourism partners to:
- increase collaboration between diverse stakeholders within a destination to build relationships and trust
- engage in group discussions about the changes you want to see in your destination
- identify short, medium, and long term strategies to realize this change
- prioritize short term strategies and develop collaborative work plans to implement them
The goals of CRAFT included:
- increased tourism knowledge and related skills
- increased collaboration and capacity to manage tourism
- increased access to funding and technical assistance to advance tourism projects
- enhanced visitor readiness and visitor experience
- enhanced reputation through increased promotion
The Colorado Rural Academy For Tourism (CRAFT) is no longer active and was only available from 2014 to 2021. Follow this link to learn more about active Colorado Tourism Office Destination Development programs.
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Overview
Type: Four programs
For: Destinations, industry associations, and businesses
Application deadline: This program is no longer active
OEDIT division: Colorado Tourism Office
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Colorado Rural Academy For Tourism
The Colorado Rural Academy For Tourism (CRAFT) was a series of programs that helped communities integrate tourism into their economic development strategies.
Focusing on cultural tourism, culinary and agritourism, outdoor recreation, tourism marketing and visitor management, CRAFT helped rural tourism partners to:
- increase collaboration between diverse stakeholders within a destination to build relationships and trust
- engage in group discussions about the changes you want to see in your destination
- identify short, medium, and long term strategies to realize this change
- prioritize short term strategies and develop collaborative work plans to implement them
The goals of CRAFT included:
- increased tourism knowledge and related skills
- increased collaboration and capacity to manage tourism
- increased access to funding and technical assistance to advance tourism projects
- enhanced visitor readiness and visitor experience
- enhanced reputation through increased promotion
The Colorado Rural Academy For Tourism (CRAFT) is no longer active and was only available from 2014 to 2021. Follow this link to learn more about active Colorado Tourism Office Destination Development programs.
OverviewType: Four programs
For: Destinations, industry associations, and businesses
Application deadline: This program is no longer active
OEDIT division: Colorado Tourism Office
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The Colorado Rural Academy For Tourism
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The Colorado Rural Academy For Tourism
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CRAFT focuses on these areas of tourism:
- cultural tourism
- culinary and agritourism
- outdoor recreation
- tourism marketing
- visitor management
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Focus areas of tourism
CRAFT focuses on these areas of tourism:
- cultural tourism
- culinary and agritourism
- outdoor recreation
- tourism marketing
- visitor management
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Cooperatives
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Tourism Toolkits
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Cooperatives
Tourism Toolkits
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Grants
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Leadership Programs
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Grants
Leadership Programs
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Program Managers
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The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade has several divisions that make up our office.
Accounting and Operations
This division supports the entire office through a variety of services including procurement, accounting, operations, and legislative support.
Business Funding and Incentives
This division provides the funding and performance-based incentives needed to create and retain jobs in Colorado.
Business Support
This division houses 4 subdivisions and facilitates programming and collaboration to support the small businesses across the state of Colorado.- Minority Business Office of Colorado
This office helps minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned businesses learn how to best market themselves as a certified business and secure government contracts.
- Colorado Small Business Development Center Network
This division helps small businesses achieve their goals by providing free, confidential consulting, and low or no-cost training programs across the state.
- Colorado Employee Ownership Office
This office establishes a robust and wide-reaching network of technical support for businesses considering employee-ownership models.
- Cannabis Business Office
This office creates new economic development opportunities, local job creation, and community growth for the diverse population across Colorado.
Colorado Creative Industries
This division focuses on strengthening the vitality of visual, performing, and literary arts through promotion, resources, and funding opportunities.
Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media
This office attracts and facilitates content creation through the film, television, and media industries to generate economic growth.
Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office
This office provides a central point of contact, advocacy, and resources at the state level for the diverse constituents, businesses, and communities that rely on the continued health of the outdoor recreation economy.
Colorado Tourism Office
This office helps increase traveler spending through the promotion of Colorado as a four-season, four-corner, world-class travel destination.
Global Business Development
This division supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy.
Legislative Affairs
This division advocates for OEDIT's programs, budget, and legislative priorities with the Colorado State General Assembly.
Marketing and Communications
This division promotes the state economic development message while sharing and amplifying the corresponding internal OEDIT units’ public facing messages.
Rural Opportunity Office
This office supports rural communities across Colorado with a focus on supporting manufacturers. - Minority Business Office of Colorado
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OEDIT Divisions
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade has several divisions that make up our office.
Accounting and Operations
This division supports the entire office through a variety of services including procurement, accounting, operations, and legislative support.
Business Funding and Incentives
This division provides the funding and performance-based incentives needed to create and retain jobs in Colorado.
Business Support
This division houses 4 subdivisions and facilitates programming and collaboration to support the small businesses across the state of Colorado.- Minority Business Office of Colorado
This office helps minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned businesses learn how to best market themselves as a certified business and secure government contracts.
- Colorado Small Business Development Center Network
This division helps small businesses achieve their goals by providing free, confidential consulting, and low or no-cost training programs across the state.
- Colorado Employee Ownership Office
This office establishes a robust and wide-reaching network of technical support for businesses considering employee-ownership models.
- Cannabis Business Office
This office creates new economic development opportunities, local job creation, and community growth for the diverse population across Colorado.
Colorado Creative Industries
This division focuses on strengthening the vitality of visual, performing, and literary arts through promotion, resources, and funding opportunities.
Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media
This office attracts and facilitates content creation through the film, television, and media industries to generate economic growth.
Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office
This office provides a central point of contact, advocacy, and resources at the state level for the diverse constituents, businesses, and communities that rely on the continued health of the outdoor recreation economy.
Colorado Tourism Office
This office helps increase traveler spending through the promotion of Colorado as a four-season, four-corner, world-class travel destination.
Global Business Development
This division supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy.
Legislative Affairs
This division advocates for OEDIT's programs, budget, and legislative priorities with the Colorado State General Assembly.
Marketing and Communications
This division promotes the state economic development message while sharing and amplifying the corresponding internal OEDIT units’ public facing messages.
Rural Opportunity Office
This office supports rural communities across Colorado with a focus on supporting manufacturers. - Minority Business Office of Colorado
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The Colorado Tourism Roadmap 2.0 is the evolution of the original Colorado Tourism Roadmap created in 2017 and has been updated to provide a new vision, goals and continued guidance to the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) and its stakeholders. This version is adapted to the evolving travel and tourism landscape and incorporates input from staff members, industry stakeholders, tourism partners, board members and the general public. The CTO Roadmap 2.0 has been refined to focus on three strategic pillars: Economic Vitality, Destination Stewardship and Industry Leadership.
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CTO Strategy
The Colorado Tourism Roadmap 2.0 is the evolution of the original Colorado Tourism Roadmap created in 2017 and has been updated to provide a new vision, goals and continued guidance to the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) and its stakeholders. This version is adapted to the evolving travel and tourism landscape and incorporates input from staff members, industry stakeholders, tourism partners, board members and the general public. The CTO Roadmap 2.0 has been refined to focus on three strategic pillars: Economic Vitality, Destination Stewardship and Industry Leadership.
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Silver Sponsors
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Silver Sponsors
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Bronze Sponsors
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Bronze Sponsors
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Program Summary
Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth (EAL) seeks to increase access to arts education for historically marginalized youth. Grants of $10,000-$25,000 are available to support projects that bring professional artists and culture bearers into educational settings to lead programming with youth ages 4-21. Projects supported by EAL will exemplify the value of arts education, encouraging ongoing community support.
Funding partners Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Denver Arts and Venues, the Gates Family Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, and The Denver Foundation have partnered with Think 360 Arts in the creation of a nearly half-million dollar fund. The goal of the initiative is to dismantle the systemic barriers that have long prevented marginalized youth from experiencing the life-altering benefits of arts learning.
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Overview
Type: Grant
For: Schools serving PK-12 students
Amount: $2,000 to $5,000 per project
Application deadline: November 12, 2021
OEDIT division: Colorado Creative Industries
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Program Summary
Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth (EAL) seeks to increase access to arts education for historically marginalized youth. Grants of $10,000-$25,000 are available to support projects that bring professional artists and culture bearers into educational settings to lead programming with youth ages 4-21. Projects supported by EAL will exemplify the value of arts education, encouraging ongoing community support.
Funding partners Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Denver Arts and Venues, the Gates Family Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, and The Denver Foundation have partnered with Think 360 Arts in the creation of a nearly half-million dollar fund. The goal of the initiative is to dismantle the systemic barriers that have long prevented marginalized youth from experiencing the life-altering benefits of arts learning.
OverviewType: Grant
For: Schools serving PK-12 students
Amount: $2,000 to $5,000 per project
Application deadline: November 12, 2021
OEDIT division: Colorado Creative Industries
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Eligibility
Applicant must be a Colorado-based nonprofit organization, or a PK-12 school.
- School applicants must engage an artist or arts organization as a partner.
- Organizational applicants must:
- Be engaged with a school partner or have a strong history of working with youth
- Be registered with Colorado Secretary of State with an address in Colorado
- Have a Colorado-based staff person who will be actively engaged in the project
Funded projects may take place at schools (during the school day or after school), community centers, libraries, nonprofit arts sites, and other locations that are highly accessible to youth. Projects may involve any arts & culture discipline or genre, such as theater, dance, music, visual arts, media arts, literary arts, folk and traditional arts, or interdisciplinary art forms. Arts integration projects (connecting an art form with another subject area) are encouraged.
Projects should:- Take place over a period of time that allows for depth of learning and relationship building. Ideally, projects take place over the course of six weeks or longer.
- Center the identities and needs of youth. Youth should be consulted in the project’s design and be able to influence the project’s evolution along the way.
- Fill a clear gap in the school or community. The rationale for the project should be informed by the stated needs of the student and community.
- Engage experienced artists and culture bearers. Teaching artists should have a successful record of working with youth, and whose identities reflect the youth participants.
- Be highly accessible to youth participants. A fee may not be charged for participation, and it must take place in a setting that youth are able to easily get to.
- Allow for time and resources to measure and communicate the project’s value and impact. Evaluation results will be collectively shared.
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Eligible institutions and projects
Eligibility
Applicant must be a Colorado-based nonprofit organization, or a PK-12 school.
- School applicants must engage an artist or arts organization as a partner.
- Organizational applicants must:
- Be engaged with a school partner or have a strong history of working with youth
- Be registered with Colorado Secretary of State with an address in Colorado
- Have a Colorado-based staff person who will be actively engaged in the project
Funded projects may take place at schools (during the school day or after school), community centers, libraries, nonprofit arts sites, and other locations that are highly accessible to youth. Projects may involve any arts & culture discipline or genre, such as theater, dance, music, visual arts, media arts, literary arts, folk and traditional arts, or interdisciplinary art forms. Arts integration projects (connecting an art form with another subject area) are encouraged.
Projects should:- Take place over a period of time that allows for depth of learning and relationship building. Ideally, projects take place over the course of six weeks or longer.
- Center the identities and needs of youth. Youth should be consulted in the project’s design and be able to influence the project’s evolution along the way.
- Fill a clear gap in the school or community. The rationale for the project should be informed by the stated needs of the student and community.
- Engage experienced artists and culture bearers. Teaching artists should have a successful record of working with youth, and whose identities reflect the youth participants.
- Be highly accessible to youth participants. A fee may not be charged for participation, and it must take place in a setting that youth are able to easily get to.
- Allow for time and resources to measure and communicate the project’s value and impact. Evaluation results will be collectively shared.