Town offers new business assistance programs
The Town is committed to our business community and has several new Town Assistance Programs (TAP) in place designed to help them thrive and grow. Businesses that meet certain criteria are eligible to apply for use of these innovative tools. Specific details on each program, as well as application requirements, can be found online at www.parkeronline.org/TAP.
TAP Tools
The Town offers a variety of economic development assistance tools for businesses looking to relocate to or expand in Parker. Understanding that each business may vary in the type of assistance needed and that each situation may differ, staff customizes all economic development assistance to the needs of the company and/or situation. TAP can include:
• Rebates on Permit Fees and/or Construction Use Tax
• Rebates on Incremental Sales Tax
• Small Business Scholarship Program
• Parker Improvement Program (Matched Funds for Facade Improvement)
• Property Tax Rebates Within the Parker Authority for Reinvestment (PAR) District
As part of the Town’s commitment to small businesses and entrepreneurs, Parker is providing a Small Business Scholarship Program. This program allows reimbursement of business training expenses to small and home-based business owners/employers with 25 or fewer employees. To qualify, businesses must be licensed through the Town and located within the Parker Town limits.
If approved, businesses may be reimbursed 50 percent of the cost of tuition and fees, up to $500 per business per calendar year, after successful completion of the courses. All courses that reasonably benefit the business are eligible. This program is designed to allow for flexibility in choosing the type of training that enhances each business. Applicants may choose courses from any accredited institution or generally accepted programs.
Through the Parker Improvement Program (PIP), the Town provides matching funds up to $5,000 per business for eligible property owners and tenants to upgrade storefronts and building facades.
These improvements help create a positive commercial environment in Parker. Improving and upgrading building facades in Parker, especially along the Parker Road corridor, is one of the important goals of this plan. The PIP seeks to bring new life to existing buildings that do not conform to current standards or are in need of a “face lift.”
Other Resources
A variety of other business assistance resources are available from Douglas County and the State of Colorado. These could include, but are not limited to personal property rebates, private activity bonds, expedited plan review and permitting, job training grants, small business loans and tax credits.
For specifics on these exciting business assistance programs, please contact Becky Hogan, Economic Development Director, at 303.805.3169 or email bhogan@parkeronline.org.
The Town has recently enhanced the business section of our Web site and it is also a great resource for more information on these programs. Go to www.parkeronline.org/TAP.