In Colorado, you’ll be part of a high-powered, established space industry in a location that also happens to be a great place to live. In an atmosphere like this, it’s no wonder that aerospace companies thrive and prosper at 5,280 feet.
Colorado is the nation's second-largest space economy for private-sector employment. The Centennial State is progressive, business-friendly, and offers a highly entrepreneurial business climate.
Along with few regulatory barriers, Colorado offers single factor tax apportionment and one of the nation’s lowest corporate income tax rates – a flat 4.55 percent. Key collaborations between the public and private sectors help aerospace companies win contracts and grow their companies.
Colorado's state leadership is actively engaged in efforts to expand the state's aerospace industry:
- Since 2013, Colorado has appointed an Aerospace and Defense leader within the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the organization that oversees implementation of the state’s aerospace strategic plan and assists aerospace businesses, defense installations and research institutions to establish information networks with both government and the private sector.
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In 2015, the Colorado legislature formed a bipartisan Aerospace and Defense Caucus to further support the continued expansion of these industries within the state, and Aerospace Day at the Colorado Capitol takes place annually to recognize the industry’s importance to the state’s economic growth.
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Colorado Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera serves as Vice Chair of the Aerospace States Association, an organization of state Lieutenant Governors, Governor appointed delegates and associate members representing states’ interests in federal aerospace and aviation policy development.
- To further pave the way for Spaceport Colorado, the state passed legislation limiting liability for public and private entities holding a Federal Aviation Administration license for spaceflight activities.
- Gov. Hickenlooper signed legislation in 2014 creating a Sales and Use Tax Exemption for qualified property used in space flight.
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The Advanced Industries (AI) Accelerator Program includes grants and a global business support program to promote growth and sustainability in Colorado's advanced industries, including aerospace.
- Colorado has 16 Procurement Technical Assistance Centers to help companies compete for military and other funding.
“The aerospace industry in Colorado is woven into the fabric of our economy. We are an aerospace state.”
Maj. General Jay H. Lindell, Colorado's Aerospace and Defense Industry Champion
Join us in Colorado
Position yourself and your company where introductions, decisions and deals are made. If you are interested in relocating or expanding your aerospace company in the state, contact the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. For site selection assistance in the Metro Denver and Northern Colorado region, contact the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation - www.metrodenver.org.