The Business Funding & Incentives division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) announced today that Washington County has been designated as a Rural Jump-Start (RJS) zone. This designation is intended to encourage economic development and job creation in rural communities across the state.
Through the RJS program, businesses that start in or move to RJS zones can qualify for relief from the state business income tax, the sales and use tax, and county/municipal business personal property taxes. Qualified employees also receive relief from their state personal income tax. In addition, businesses are eligible for a general operating grant of up to $20,000 and up to $2,500 per qualified new hire. These grants are intended to support regional economic and workforce development activities that expand local business, create new good-paying jobs, and create more diversified and strong local economies.
RJS zones are designated to spur economic growth and job creation in economically distressed, rural counties of Colorado. In order to become a RJS zone, Washington County passed a resolution in support of the designation on February 20, 2024. The Town of Akron passed a resolution in support of the designation on April 1, 2024. The Colorado Economic Development Commission (EDC) approved the application on November 21, 2024.