Other City and County of Denver Programs
The Division of Business Opportunity (DSBO) supports small, disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned businesses. They work to improve your business's growth, capacity, and sustainability. DSBO’s mission is to be the bridge that makes it easier for small businesses to engage with the city. They do this through creating and implementing programs. thereby achieving an fair Denver economy.
Certification is the process of getting a new credential for your business. This credential will help your business grow. It is a valuable step for many small businesses. for business growth. Getting one or more certifications will help you to compete for city contracts. The certifications show that you are able to perform at a high level of excellence. You can get help and certification in six different categories:
- Small business enterprise
- Disadvantaged business enterprise
- Emerging business enterprise
- Minority/women business enterprise
- Small business enterprise concessionaire
- Airport concession disadvantaged business enterprise
Denver Economic Development and Opportunity (DEDO) provides advice and education to businesses. This help is free of charge, and open to both new and established businesses.
The business development team is available for one-on-one business advising. They will walk you through the programs and resources available to you. Together you will find the best programs to help you achieve your goals.
Schedule a one-on-one meeting with their team! You'll get
- Technical assistance
- Industry expertise
- Referrals to partner organization programs
These meetings provide an opportunity to explore possibilities for growing your business. Get started by consulting their step-by-step guide to start a business in Denver.
DEDO also offers trainings, workshops, and lectures. These will support your growth as a business owner or entrepreneur. Register for an upcoming class for free.
There a variety of programs that encourage and reward your business growth. DEDO will walk you through them and help you identify the best fit for your enterprise. There are three Tax Credit Programs to choose from:
The Business Investment Program
Designed to encourage start-ups and and reward existing businesses of all sizes. This program incentivizes qualified businesses to:
- Expand their facilities
- Add new employees
- Buy new equipment
The Business Incentive Fund (BIF)
BIF is a unique tool for the city to support a competitive relocation to or expansion within Denver. DEDO is able to support only a handful of projects every year through this program. DEDO evaluates projects on many factors, including:
- The direct fiscal benefit of the project to the city
- Creation/retention of quality jobs across industries
- Demonstrated alignment with the City’s economic development goals
Denver Enterprise Zone
This program is part of is a State of Colorado tax credit program. It allows businesses located within a specific geographic area to receive tax credits. Activities that qualify for the tax credit include:
- Job creation
- Employee training
- Investment in business personal property.
Denver's designated Enterprise Zone (EZ) includes over 30 square miles of commercially zoned real estate.
Denver's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) provides bike parking for businesses. Bicycle parking is an important element to Denver’s mobility system. Adequate bicycle parking is:
- Good for business
- Increases ridership
- Offers an alternative to driving
- Decreases the demand for car parking
DOTI reviews applications for city-funded bicycle parking throughout the year. Property owners and businesses are encouraged to apply at any time.