SAGE Business

SAGE Celebrates 2 Years of Helping Businesses! 

SAGE celebrated its second anniversary in April. Since April 2021, SAGE has helped 225 businesses; that’s around 8 percent of Westminster’s total businesses, with 75 of these businesses having completed initiatives supported by SAGE through financial assistance, advising, and programming. This past year, SAGE helped local businesses with several accomplishments including transitioning to all non-plastic packaging, upgraded LED lighting, starting a recycling service, employee education about water conservation, and more. These efforts were made possible through collaborations with local organizations and service providers such as the Colorado Green Business Network and Xcel Energy. Through Xcel Energy’s Small Business Energy Solutions program, SAGE provides free energy assessments to businesses. Over 60 businesses have already completed energy assessments, a value savings of up to $2,000 per business, and a total of $120,000 in savings.

Read about SAGE's impact here

Up to $250,000 in tax credits for commuting programs 

New for tax years 2023 and 2024, the State of Colorado will provide a tax credit of up to 50% to employers to provide eco-friendly commuting options to employees. Eligible uses include:

• Carpools, vanpools, and shuttles
• Transit passes
• Bike-share programs
• Anything other than driving alone!

Email SAGE to talk more about your commuting needs and to be paired with a commuting specialist

Is your building 50,000 sq.ft. of more? If so, you need to report your annual energy use to the Colorado Energy Office 

Owners of large commercial, multifamily, and public buildings 50,000 square feet or more to report their annual energy use to the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, a free energy management tool used to track and assess energy and water consumption. By measuring and tracking energy use in buildings, also known as benchmarking, building owners and tenants can better understand how their building’s energy performance compares to similar buildings and identify opportunities to cut energy waste. In 2024, the State will establish building performance standards with which buildings will have to comply. 

Learn more, Register, and Report  

Carry Out Bag Fee:

As of January, 1, 2023, major stores must charge customers a 10-cent fee per recycled paper carryout bag or a single-use plastic carryout bag at the point of sale
A retail store IS affected if either of the following apply: 

• The store has more than three (3) retail locations
• The store is part of a franchise, corporation, or partnership that has physical store locations outside of Colorado

*Food service and restaurant establishments are ALL exempt (not affected) no matter the type. Grocery stores and convenience stores are not considered food service under the definitions in the law, so grocery stores and convenience stores are affected based on the rules above.

Examples:

• A grocery store with more than three locations across Colorado would be affected, a grocery store with three or fewer locations would not.
• A chain fast food restaurant would not be affected, because it is food service (and is not a grocery store or convenience store).
• Any local restaurant or café would not be affected.
• A local retail store with one location in Westminster would not be affected.
• A retail souvenir shop that is part of a larger franchise with a location in Utah would be affected.

Learn more and remit fees collected here

Questions on the fee? Call the sales tax line at 303-658-2065 or email sales tax at salestax@westminsterco.gov

Want help educating customers: Check out Eco-Cycle's Implementation Guide for Businesses oe email sage@westminsterco.gov for assistance 

CONTACT SAGE: 

Email SAGE@westminsterco.gov or call 303-658-2662 to set up an advising session and for any questions and comments.