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. Region 10 manages the Enterprise Zone Program for 6 counties on the Western Slope; Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel. Enterprise Zone Contribution Projects encourage community participation and public private partnerships to revitalize Enterprise Zones.
As the region’s Enterprise Zone Administrator we 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.