Over the past decade, Colorado has undoubtedly learned a reputation as one of the best locations to start and grow a business, as well as live. In 2013, Colorado ranked fifth in top states for business by Forbes Magazine and the second best state to start a business by Entrepreneur. Colorado’s central location, international airport and modern infrastructure allow for favourable access to all regions in the United States, making it a premier place to do business.

BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
Colorado currently operates under one of the most liberal tax structure in the nation with a 4.63 per cent corporate income tax and 2.9 per cent sales tax. A fair and accessible regulatory environment, access to capital and low business costs contribute to Colorado’s favourable business climate.

HIGHLY EDUCATED WORKFORCE
Ranked second in the nation for percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree, Colorado continues to supply a highly educated, proficient workforce. Our highly skilled and educated workforce is ready to step up to the growing demands of today’s economy.

FERTILE GROUND FOR INNOVATION
In Colorado, citizens are rewarded for innovative, forward thinking. Collaboration by business leaders in key industries, such as science and technology, allows for the flow of capital and investment to help grow jobs and cultivate an atmosphere of innovation. Also, Colorado is ranked third in the nation in concentration of high-tech workers.

ADVANCED INDUSTRIES IN COLORADO

Advanced Manufacturing
Colorado’s advanced manufacturing industry is diverse and geographically disbursed across the state, with more than 5900 manufacturing firms, over 120,000 employees, and $16.3 billion in annual economic output. Colorado’s highly innovative manufacturers serve industries from electronics and consumer products to cleantech, medical devices and even aerospace vehicles.

Aerospace
Colorado has the nation’s second-largest aerospace economy and is home to four military commands, eight major space contractors and more than 400 aerospace companies and suppliers. The University of Colorado ranks as among the top NASA-funded universities, displaying a culture of dedication to aerospace.

Bioscience
Colorado has developed several programmes to help bioscience companies thrive. Recent legislation renewed a $25 million grant programme for technologies licensed out of Colorado research institutions, as well as additional funding to further support early stage businesses and their projects. The state ranks second among the second-tier bioscience states and third on the state technology and science index.

Energy & Natural Resources
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of industry and the environmental community, Colorado now has the country’s strongest public disclosure rule on the process of hydraulic fracturing technology. The new Colorado Energy Office will promote all types of energy that protect the environment, lower consumer costs and increase energy security, with a focus on long-term energy projects that have broad job creation potential. Furthermore, Colorado was the first state to pass a voter-approved renewable energy standard that sets a goal of using 30 per cent renewable energy by 2020.

Infrastructure Engineering
Colorado is home to thousands of highly trained engineers who work on major civil, commercial and environmental projects serving the needs for secure water, energy and ecosystems, as well as major stadiums and venues.

Technology and Information
More than 300 electronics R&D, manufacturing and distribution companies in Colorado provide products, components and services to a wide array of commercial and industrial sectors. The state’s annual high-tech exports total more than $2.9 billion.

UK BUSINESSES IN COLORADO
Companies like Aggregate Industries, BP, BAE Systems, Balfour Beatty, Electrocomponents, BMT Group Limited, Tomkins, Ikon Science Limited and Vodafone have already discovered Colorado’s pro-business environment and unsurpassed quality of life.