In El Paso County, Colorado, we take a holistic approach to economic development. Our office is uniquely tasked with serving an ever-growing region with ever-changing needs. We navigate our dynamic economic landscape with a focused approach, by offering diverse incentives for businesses and leveraging federal and state resources for housing and community development. Our goal is to assist in creating a robust, diversified, economic ecosystem. To learn more about our work, view the sections below.
Location:
Economic Development Department
9 E. Vermijo Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
OUR PROGRAMS
Visit our Business Incentives page to explore business loans, tax credits, and financing opportunities for small and large businesses in the Pikes Peak Region.
Visit our Community Initiatives page to learn about federal grants, contribution projects, and private activity bond programs which benefit El Paso County residents, nonprofits, and local organizations.
Visit our Housing page for information about affordable housing, financial assistance, and resources that support local homeowners and developers.
Upcoming Events
Business Resources Event
Are you a current or aspiring business owner? Join El Paso County Economic Development to learn about our Business Loan Fund program, Enterprise Zone State Income Tax Credits, and other business resources. Guest speakers from Pikes Peak Workforce Center, Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center, and City of Fountain will also share free business resources and programs.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
2:30 – 4:00 pm
Fountain Library
230 S Main St
Fountain, CO 80817
Pikes Peak Down Payment Assistance Networking
Are you a lender, Realtor, or homebuilder in El Paso County, looking for new ways to reach homebuyers? The El Paso County Housing Authority’s down payment assistance (DPA) program has helped over 2,800 homebuyers in our community. A relaunch of the program for 2025 includes an extra 1% DPA for Hometown Heroes! Register for the networking event to learn more!
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
3:00 – 4:30 pm
Centennial Hall
200 S Cascade Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Community Event
Join us for a free outreach event in Palmer Lake. Topics include Community Development Block Grants, Fair Housing, and Housing Programs. This event promises to be an afternoon of valuable connections, insightful conversations, and new opportunities.
Thursday, April 3, 2025
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Palmer Lake Town Hall
42 Valley Crescent Street
Palmer Lake, CO 80133
Housing Trust Fund & Private Activity Bond Webinar
Are you interested in developing affordable housing in El Paso County? The Housing Trust Fund (HTF) provides gap financing loans to agencies with the experience to design and administer innovative housing programs. Private Activity Bonds (PAB) are a form of tax-free financing for developers. The deadline to apply for HTF/PAB is May 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM. Join the technical assistance webinar for more information.
Thursday, April 10, 2025
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Register for the webinar to receive a virtual meeting link
Business Resources Event
Are you a current or aspiring business owner? Join El Paso County Economic Development to learn about our Business Loan Fund program, Enterprise Zone State Income Tax Credits, and other business resources. Guest speakers from Pikes Peak Workforce Center, Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center, and City of Fountain will also share free business resources and programs.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
2:30 – 4:00 pm
Fountain Library
230 S Main St
Fountain, CO 80817
Pikes Peak Down Payment Assistance Networking
Are you a lender, Realtor, or homebuilder in El Paso County, looking for new ways to reach homebuyers? The El Paso County Housing Authority’s down payment assistance (DPA) program has helped over 2,800 homebuyers in our community. A relaunch of the program for 2025 includes an extra 1% DPA for Hometown Heroes! Register for the networking event to learn more!
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
3:00 – 4:30 pm
Centennial Hall
200 S Cascade Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Community Event
Join us for a free outreach event in Palmer Lake. Topics include Community Development Block Grants, Fair Housing, and Housing Programs. This event promises to be an afternoon of valuable connections, insightful conversations, and new opportunities.
Thursday, April 3, 2025
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Palmer Lake Town Hall
42 Valley Crescent Street
Palmer Lake, CO 80133
Housing Trust Fund & Private Activity Bond Webinar
Are you interested in developing affordable housing in El Paso County? The Housing Trust Fund (HTF) provides gap financing loans to agencies with the experience to design and administer innovative housing programs. Private Activity Bonds (PAB) are a form of tax-free financing for developers. The deadline to apply for HTF/PAB is May 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM. Join the technical assistance webinar for more information.
Thursday, April 10, 2025
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Register for the webinar to receive a virtual meeting link
Event Highlights
El Paso County Business Resources Event
On February 12, 2025, Economic Development hosted a free event at the Sand Creek Library for current and aspiring business owners in El Paso County.
Sara Lobato and Katie Plutz presented the Pikes Peak Enterprise Zone and Business Loan Fund programs on behalf of the County. Partners from the Pikes Peak Workforce Center, Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center, City of Colorado Springs, and The Thrive Network provided vital resources to support business owners and job seekers.
Special thanks to our economic development partners and local businesses who enrich our region!
Community Outreach Event
On January 30, 2025, Economic Development hosted a free event at the Pikes Peak Regional Development Center (PPRDC) to highlight community projects and affordable housing resources.
Randi Davis and Luke Houser presented the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Affordable Housing programs on behalf of the County. A guest speaker from Envida Cares shared how their programs support local residents.
Special thanks to PPRDC and Envida Cares for their collaborative partnership!
Our Work in Action
Preview the featured program highlights from 2024.
Wildflower Studio utilized El Paso County's Business Loan Fund program to purchase essential business equipment and inventory.
The Community Development Block Grant program recently supported ADA accessibility upgrades for the Lake Park Gazebo in Green Mountain Falls.
The El Paso County Housing Authority provided $1,300,000 in Housing Trust Fund loans for the development of 207 apartment units.
Department Accomplishments
Read the infographics below to learn about the positive impact of our programs in 2023.
Helping local businesses and organizations thrive through diverse incentive programs and a business-friendly environment.
Benefitting local residents, nonprofits, and organizations through federal grants, contribution projects, and nonprofit private activity bonds.
Supporting local housing initiatives through EPCHA housing trust funds, private activity bonds, and down payment assistance.
