Business in Boulder
Whether you are starting, expanding, or need information about doing business in Boulder, this is the place to get started.
Businessweek Magazine calls Boulder the best place to start a business in Colorado. From organic cookies to lasers to wind turbines, Boulder is a great place to open a business. A community of mentoring, support and a culture of innovation help make businesses thrive.
If your business is growing and you're looking for ways to expand your facility, grow your workforce, or invest in new equipment, Boulder wants to help you.
Business Flood Recovery
Flood Recovery Meeting for Boulder Businesses
If your business or nonprofit has suffered substantial harm from the September 2013 flood, you may qualify for a grant or loan.
Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery
Boulder small businesses, rental property owners, and nonprofit organizations affected by the September 2013 flooding may be eligible for Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. The grants and loans are intended to help organizations that have unmet needs after applying for other forms of flood recovery assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Small Business Administration (SBA), and private insurance carriers.
Eligible economic losses include lost inventory, physical damage to premises or equipment, and lost revenues from reduction in customer traffic and/or loss of access to facilities. Priority will be given to organizations that create or retain low- and moderate-income jobs.
Grants
Grants of up to $10,000 ($25,000 for organizations with multiple locations) are available for eligible organizations with unmet needs of $10,000 or more. Funds can be used for working capital, inventory, equipment, and payroll.
Loans
Low-cost loans of up to $50,000 with no principal or interest payments for the first six months are available for eligible organizations with unmet needs of $100,000 or more, subject to credit approval. Loan proceeds can be used for working capital, renovation, equipment, and new construction.
Since the grants and loans will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their materials now.
Read the Recover Colorado Business Grant & Loan Program FAQs 
for more details.
Visit dola.colorado.gov/cdbg-dr for eligibility requirements and an application checklist.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Small businesses and most private, nonprofit organizations may be eligible for a Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan of up to $2 million to meet necessary financial obligations. Economic injury means the business is/was unable to meet its obligations and pay its necessary operating expenses. You may be also eligible for a SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan if you were or are unable to operate your business due to flood damage. The application deadline is June 16, 2014.
Colorado Enterprise Fund Loans
The Colorado Enterprise Fund offers loans for businesses that do not qualify for SBA loans. Loan amounts can reach up to $10,000, at 7.99 percent interest.
Colorado Small Business Development Center Network Disaster Relief
The Colorado Small Business Development Center Network provides assistance with disaster loan applications, long-term planning, insurance navigation, physical and economic loss estimations, and business preparedness.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance of up to 26 weeks may be available if flood damage affected your business operations or place of work. This provides unemployment benefits to individuals who have become unemployed as a direct result of the flood disaster. In order to qualify, your employment or self-employment must have been lost or interrupted as a direct result of the flood disaster.
The IRS provides tax counseling and assistance to taxpayers whose property has been damaged or lost as a direct result of the flood disaster.
Visit the Planning and Development Services Online Center for assistance with building repairs and permits.
A permit may be required for restoration and repair work, depending on the scope. If you need to make repairs to your electrical, mechanical (heating, cooling, and/or HVAC) or plumbing systems, a permit will be required. However, if only simple drywall repairs are necessary, you will not need to obtain a permit. If your property is located in a regulated, call 303-441-1880 for specific requirements.
- Apply for Building Permits
- Access the Applications and Forms Database.
Visit the Hiring a Contractor page for a list of contractors licensed by the City of Boulder.
EnergySmart's business advisors can provide guidance on replacing and repairing equipment, finding contractors and reviewing bids, assistance with low-cost financing, and completing rebate applications. Businesses and commercial property owners are encouraged to visit www.energysmartyes.com or call an advisor at 303-441-1300.
The USDA Farm Service Agency provides Farm Emergency Loans to help producers who own or operate a farm in Boulder County.
Business Flood Recovery Questions
Questions? Request Flood Information or call 303-441-1856.