Table of Contents:
Out-of-State Business
Import/Export
Web-based Business
Veteran-Owned Business
Minority-Owned/Disadvantaged Business
Franchises and Licenses
Home-based Business
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Out-of-State Business
Foreigners
Must check with the Department of Homeland Security if they wish to operate or own a business in the state.
Persons doing business in Colorado from out of state
Any out-of-state business with a physical location in Colorado and/or operating in the state for more than 30 days, must register the business in Colorado with the Secretary of State. Such businesses are required to file Colorado income taxes for all wages and income earned from work and operations conducted in the state, regardless of the person’s/business’ residency. Employers must withhold income taxes.
Persons doing business in other states, based in Colorado
Any business or person with a physical location in another state and /or operating in that state for more than 30 days should check with that state’s registration requirements.
Import/Export
International Trade Administration
Export-related information, statistics, and country report – the federal government.
U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEAC)
Combines resources within the SBA, U.S. Department of Commerce, Export-Import Bank, and other agencies to improve the delivery of services to small- and medium-sized businesses.
International Trade Office (ITO)
Part of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade assists businesses in exporting.
World Trade Center (Denver)
Offers classes, seminars, and workshops on international trade.
Alibaba
Global online marketing services for importers and exporters.
Export-Import Bank of the US
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) is the official export credit agency of the United States, assisting in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets.
Hong Kong Suppliers and Manufacturers
Marketing and sourcing assistance: Online marketplace, exhibitions, and conferences, product magazines, business-matching services, seminars and workshops, business news, and trade information.
Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration provides counseling, training, and financing to support small business export opportunities.
Export.gov
Brings together resources from across the U.S. Government to assist American businesses in planning their international sales strategies and succeed in today’s global marketplace.
Customs Brokerage Firms
Customs brokerage firms handle the transport of imports and exports. They can arrange shipments, do all the paperwork, and ensure those shipments are in compliance with U.S. Customs regulations. Check the yellow pages for local brokers such as:
Web-Based Business
Internet/Web Sales Tax
A Colorado Internet business must collect sales tax on items sold to customers in Colorado. Sales tax is not collected on Internet sales to customers outside of Colorado.
Go Daddy
Domain Name Registration, Do it Yourself source
Google: Online Success
How to Grow Your Business
Inter NIC
Domain Name Registration. Lists accredited registrars. Shop for needed services and prices.
Network Solutions
Domain Name Registration
Register Domain Name
Register a domain name for a business
Smartbiz
For those interested in doing business on the Internet. Articles, links, tips, and useful information.
Web.com
Small business website design.
Veteran-Owned Business
SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development. OVBD
Dedicated to serving the veteran entrepreneur by formulating, executing, and promoting policies and programs of the agency that provides assistance to veterans seeking to start and develop small businesses.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affair
Minority-Owned/Disadvantaged Business
Colorado Minority Business Office (MBO)
Collaborates with other state agencies, the private sector, federal agencies, state chambers of commerce, and regional business councils throughout the state to expand opportunities for minority and women business owners.
Colorado Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
The Office of Certification administers the Colorado DBE Certification Program. This process determines the eligibility of minority and women-owned businesses to participate in projects for Colorado government agencies.
Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Start-up assistance for people with disabilities - $5,000 - $10,000 grants available
Denver City/County DBE Certification
Office of Economic Development
Division of Small Business Opportunity DSBO)
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
DBE certification is a federally initiated and mandated program established to ensure that only those firms meeting the prescribed standards receive the certification as a DBE. There is no single all-encompassing certification program for women and minority-owned businesses. Certification is only required if a business desires to sell products or services to a government agency or private firm that requires certification as part of its contracting process. There are 3 types of certification depending upon the type of contracting:
Federal Certification - 8(a) - apply by registering with the CCR at ccr.gov
Unified Certification Program - CDOT and the County of Denver on one application at the State Office of Certification
Private Certification may be used for private corporations:
Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council (MPMSDC)
MBE Certification
Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
WBE Certification
Enterprise Zones
Colorado's Enterprise Zone program provides tax incentives to encourage businesses to locate and expand in designated economically distressed areas of the state. There are 18 enterprise zones and subzones in Colorado. Businesses located in a zone may qualify for ten different Enterprise Zone Tax Credits and Incentives to encourage job creation and investment in these zones. To determine if a specific address is within a zone, contact the local zone administrator.
HUBZones
Historically Underutilized Business Zone. The HUBZone Empowerment Contracting program provides federal contracting opportunities for qualified small businesses located in distressed areas.
Mi Casa Resource Center for Women
Advances self-sufficiency for primarily low-income Latinas and youth. Offers training in traditional and nontraditional careers for women, training to help women start and grow a business and to keep youth achieving in school and making good decisions.
360 Acoma Street
Denver CO 80223
Phone: (303) 573-1302
FAX: (303) 595-0422
E-Mail: info@micasadenver.org
Office of Women's Business Ownership (SBA)
409 Third Street SW, Sixth Floor
Washington, DC 20416
Phone: (202) 205-6673
E-Mail: owbo@sba.gov
Small Disadvantaged Business Programs (SDB)
The SBA certifies SDBs to make them eligible for special bidding benefits. The SBA administers two particular business assistance programs for small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs). These programs are 8(a) Business Development Program and the Small Disadvantaged Business Certification Program. SDB certification strictly pertains to benefits in Federal procurement. Companies that are 8(a) firms automatically qualify for SDB certification. Once certified, the business is added to PRO-Net or CCR. For more information on federal certification for DBEs, go to http://www.fedbizopps.gov/ or call 303-844-2607, ext. 226.
Minority Business Development Agency
U.S. Department of Commerce
Small Business and Self-Employment Service (SBSES)
The SBSES is a service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy of the U.S. Department of Labor which provides information, counseling, and referrals about self-employment and small business ownership opportunities for people with disabilities.
Women Business Owners
A trade association for women business owners. Research articles about women and minority businesses.
Franchises and Licenses
Franchises
A franchise is a legal and commercial relationship between the owner of a trademark, service mark, trade name, or advertising symbol and an individual or group seeking the right to use that identification in a business. A franchise agreement governs the method for conducting business between the two parties. Generally, a franchisee sells goods or services that are supplied by the franchiser or that meet the franchiser’s quality standards. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state regulations require sellers of franchises to provide disclosure statements to the buyer.
Licenses
Licensing is used by companies that are in the process of establishing a brand and name recognition. There is no FTC or state regulations as with a franchise. Unlike a franchise, licensors do not charge franchise fees or royalties, nor do they have strict rules that franchisors impose on their franchisees. A license agreement governs the method for conducting business between the two parties. Understanding franchise regulations is necessary to avoid being classified as a franchise.
Federal Trade Commission: Buying a Franchise Consumer Guide
Be The Boss
Franchise information and opportunities.
Frannet
Broker for franchises
International Franchise Association
Information on over 800 franchises
Home-Based Business
The Home Office Association
Have very good links, ideas, tips, and resources.
Work at Home Careers
No cost pre-screened work-at-home jobs, articles, videos & scam avoidance information.
Work at Home Moms
The magazine for work-at-home moms
Working Solo
Information and services for and about home-based businesses.