LARAMIE'S NEW TECHNOLOGY PARK
Laramie is "open for business" in every sense of the phrase. Whether it's starting up, expanding, or relocating; the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance has the resources and connections to help your business succeed.
One of these resources is Wyoming's first technology-zoned business park. In 2012, the LCBA partnered with the City of Laramie and received a grant from the Wyoming Business Council to develop a large plot of land on top of Laramie's highest ridgeline.
This plot was zoned with the growth of the tech-sector in Laramie as the highest priority. The shovel-ready site has the potential to be a campus environment for an expanding company, or a one-building space for established businesses among like-minded companies.
Right now, the Cirrus Sky Technology Park has one tenant: the multi-national company Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
BENEFITS OF THE CIRRUS SKY TECHNOLOGY PARK
Take root in one of Wyoming's only technology-zoned business parks. Develop a campus-like environment for your growing firm, or build a custom building for your established business. All the while, take in views of the mountains and hire eager staff from Laramie's highly-educated workforce.
Learn more about doing business in Laramie, view the LCBA Business Resource Guide.
State Income Tax:
Wyoming has no corporate or personal income tax.
Business Inventory Tax:
Wyoming does not impose an inventory tax.
Property Tax:
Wyoming property taxes are some of the lowest in the United States.
Sales Tax:
State of Wyoming sales tax is 4%.
Albany County adds 2%
Sales & Use Tax Exemptions:
Wyoming imposes no sales tax on energy consumed in the process of manufacturing. There is also no sales tax imposed on the purchase of equipment that will be used in the manufacturing process. Additionally, there are sales tax exemptions for certain equipment purchased for data centers.
Laramie boasts some of the most forward thinking creative minds and entrepreneurial spirits. We have a highly-educated workforce, with graduates from local colleges who want to stay here in Laramie.
Albany County Labor Force: 21,338
Strong inflow of commuters into Albany county: 628
Highly educated workforceL 4.85 College Graduates per open position (in Laramie/Cheyenne) - Source: US Department of Education
Just one mile from Cirrus Sky Technology Park is Wyoming's only university and four-year post-secondary educational institution. This means that Laramie boasts a level of expertise that's hard to find anywhere else. Professors are leading globally noted research programs and teaching more than 12,000 students right here in our own backyard.
Degrees and Areas of Study:
80 Undergraduate Degree Programs
90+ Graduate Degree Programs
200+ Areas of Study
Michael B. Enzi STEM Facility
A $50 million public investment, this facility opened in 2016. It provides 32 teaching laboratories equipped for chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics and computer science.
High Bay Research Facility
This facility is also a $50 million private-public investment, which opened in 2017. It's equipped to carry out large-scale research and development to solve energy-related challenges. High Bay is meant to host studies and projects that will improve understanding in porous media, unconventional reservoir production, and coal conversion.
Energy Innovation Center
This $25 million public-private investment (which is also home to the School of Energy Resources) was completed in 2013. It is a collaborative facility where students, researchers, academic professionals, and industry partners can engage in solving challenges in the energy industry.
Engineering Education and Research Building
This educational investment was built to be a learning and discovery center that promotes innovation and creativity among students and faculty. The approximately 100,000 square-foot building is the most ambitious construction project in the university's history at $105 million.
University of Wyoming
Serving as Wyoming's only university and four-year post-secondary educational institution, the University of Wyoming adds a level of expertise to Laramie that's hart to find elsewhere. Professors are leading globally noted research programs and teaching more than 12,000 students right here in our 30,000 person town. Business perks aside, you can catch all the collegiate sports a Division 1 school has to offer.
POLE MOUNTAIN & VEDAUWOO RECREATION AREAS
Only 20 minutes from downtown Laramie, is a site known internationally by experienced climbers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Vedauwoo (Vee-Da-Voo) and the Pole Mountain recreation areas feature hiking trails for beginners or experts and boasts some of the best views and recreation in Wyoming.
NIGHTLIFE
Laramie has over 75 restaurants and bars with 35 of those located in our vibrant downtown. Catching a play, concert of performance can be a weekly occurrence with more than 25 live entertainment venues around town.
HIKING, FISHING, CAMPING & SKIING
Laramie's backyard is comprised of world-class recreation opportunities. In the summer, explore more than 1.5 million acres of Medicine Bow National Forest, cam at one of the 46 trailheads and campgrounds, or blaze your own trail along the hundreds of miles of backroads the national forest has to offer. Want to explore on wheels? There are hundreds of miles of ATV trails and mountain bike trails within an hour of town. In the winter, get another glimpse of nature on skis or a snowmobile and explore 300 square miles of powder. Hitch a ride on the ski lift and enjoy the 245 inches of annual snowfall at Snowy Range Ski Area just 45 miles from downtown.
BUSINESS READY COMMUNITY GRANTS
Grants are typically between $1 million and $3 million through the Wyoming Business Council
WORKFORCE TRAINING GRANTS
Grants average between $1,000 and $4,000 per employee through the Department of Workforce Services
TRADE SHOW INCENTIVE GRANTS
Grants range from $500 to $1,500 through the Wyoming Business Council
LCBA REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM
This fund helps new and existing business in obtaining financing through local institutions. The LCBA Revolving Loan Fund Program controls approximately $100,000.
COLLATERAL SUPPORT PROGRAM
This program is operated by the Wyoming Smart Capital Network funded by the US Department of Treasury's State Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Designed working captal loans, it provides cash collateral on the borrower's behalf. It helps small businesses overcome the challenge of insufficient collateral.
WYOMING PARTNERSHIP (CHALLENGE) BRIDGE LOAN PROGRAM
Loans are provided through the Wyoming Business Council (WBC) in partnership with a local lender. The business must provide at least 15% of the total project cost. The State of Wyoming an participate up to 35% of the project cost or $500,000, whichever is less.
WYOMING PARTNERSHIP (CHALLENGE) GUARANTEED LOAN
Loans are provided through the Wyoming Business Council (WBC) in partnership with a local lender. The loan must have a Federal Guarantee (SBA or Rural Development B&I). The State of Wyoming can participate up to 50% of the project cost or $1,000,000, whichever is less.
CUSTOMIZED INCENTIVES
LCBA understands that each business not only offers unique advantages to the community, but has unique needs as well. Therefore, the LCBA staff is willing to work with interested businesses on a one-on-one basis to develop specific strategies and possible incentives.
CONNECTIVITY WITH GOVERNMENT
Businesses can access and build relationships with local, state and national representatives. Companies in Laramie, Wyoing can enjoy accessibility that other states simply can't provide. For example, the Governor meets with interested companies regularly to hear needs and establish long-term relationships.
HUBZONE
Albany County is a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) determined by the United States Small Business Administration. This includes gaining government contracts. By meeting certain criteria, like having your principal office in Albany County and employing local workforce, you could qualify for several federal incentives.
LARAMIE MAIN STREET ALLIANCE
Laramie Main Street Alliance strives to preserve historic downtown Laramie, while enhancing its economic and social vitality. As a 501c3, its services are free to any business or building owner in the Downtown Development Authority boundaries. LMSA assists businesses with finding locations, marketing, promotions, retention, expansion, training, grants, historic preservation and design, as well as networking and cross promotion with other entrepreneurs.
ALBANY COUNTY TOURISM
Albany County Tourism promotes travel and tourism to the Laramie area thorough a variety of regional and national channels. They showcase Albany County as a multi-season destination that had endless possibilities and helps visitors realize the area's fill potential. ACT supports may local programs and activities in Albany COunty which further enhances the quality of life.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) consists of a network of offices throughtout the state with business consultants who provide free and confidential business consulting, classes, webinars, publications, online services and referrals to related agencies. Other major services within its offices includes providing free market research and The Wyoming Procurement Technical Assistance Center, which helps Albany County businesses gain HUB-zone certification amount other government registrations and assists businesses sell products and/or services to government. The Wyoming SBDC offers free assistance with business plans, cybersecurity, eCommerce, financial evaluation, international trade, QuickBooks, sustainability and other services.
MANUFACTURING-WORKS
Manufacturing-Works is the Manufacturing Extension Partnership for the State of Wyoming. The non-profit organization seeks the continued success and constant economic progress for Wyoming through timely and customized assistance to entities requiring its services. Targeting small to mid-size manufacturers and businesses, M-W's services comprise of workforce development trainings and workshops, technology assistance, business advising and customized performance assistance. A national network of public and private partnerships helps bring cutting-edge resources to manufacturers and businesses of Wyoming.
WYOMING TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS CENTER
Wyoming Technology Business Center (WTBC) focuses on developing early stage, technology0based companies, with an emphasis on high-growth fiems. All companies located in the incubator receive one-on-one business counseling and executive coaching services provided by the WTBC staff based on their stage of development. WTBC's programming is designed to help client companies grow larger and faster than they would otherwise, and to increase the abliity of entrepreneurs to grow and manage their own businesses. Facilities offer a variery of laboratory, office, shared conderence room space and a state-of-the-art data center.
WYOMING BUSINESS COUNCIL
Wyoming Business Council (WBC) is the state of Wyoming's economic development agency. The Business Council works with private businesses, state agencies, local governments, local economic development groups, partners and non-profits to grow and diversify Wyoming's economy, create jobs and enhance th quality of life. The council offers a variety of programs to assist Wyoming businesses including grant and loan programs.
WYOMING WOMEN'S BUSINESS CENTER
Wyoming Women's Business Center is designed to offer Wyoming's current and prospective business owners the business assistance they need, including access to business counseling, capital, microloans, training, technical assistance, and networking opportunities.
CITY OF LARAMIE, PLANNING DIVISION
City of Laramie, Planning Division has two major functions: development review and long-range planning. The development review entails reviewing and processing subdivision and zoning applications, planned unit developments, conditional use permits, variances, and zone changes. Long-range planning entails writing and updating documents weit relation to the physical development of the City. This division also serves as staff to the Planning Commission and advises the City Council on matters concerning planning and land use.
BRIGHT AGROTECH/PLENTY
“Laramie is a great town to grow a business and raise a family in. If you enjoy and value the outdoors it’s hard to beat. Fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, climbing. . . The list goes on, all at your doorstep. For me I like the idea of building a business in a place that offers opportunity, but also has strong ties to the past- a history and relationship with the environment that keep you grounded. I want my kids to grow up in that kind of a place.”
-Nate Story
Co-Founder of Bright Agrotech and Plenty
TRIHYDRO COROPRATION
"Trihydro and its continued success is primarily due to our most valuable asset, our team of employees and clients.
Although we have 21 offices around the country, what makes us special is that we started and continued to grow our business in Laramie. People in Laramie take great pride in their work and are committed and loyal individuals. It’s important to never stop building meaningful relationships and fortunately we have that in our employees, our local partners, and the local community.
We are truly blessed to share in such a great community and value the relationships we have cultivated over 34 plus years."
-Deby Forry
Senior Vice President Risk Management & CFO
UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES
“In 2014, Laramie was chosen from 14 different cities throughout the US for location of a news technology center for the following reasons:
- Prospect of Cirrus Park
- Workforce training funds
- Access and interest from the University of Wyoming to establish a recruiting pipeline
- Anticipated strong employee retention”
-Randal Six
IT Manager, Laramie Tech Center, Underwriters Laboratories