Opportunity Zones

The Opportunity Zone Program Was Enacted in the December 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Many of the major policy decisions related to Opportunity Zones were ceded to the states, and governors were able to designate up to 25% of the qualified census tracts in their state for Qualified Opportunity Zones.

Qualified Opportunity Zones

The definition of ‘‘qualified census tract’’ for this purpose is generally any census tract that has a poverty rate of at least 20% or that has a median income that does not exceed the higher of 80% of the median income of the metropolitan area or of the statewide median income; governors were able to designate specific Census Tracts to include in the program, up to 25% of the Tracts in the state.

The designations are effective until December 31, 2028. 100% of the Census Tracts on Puerto Rico and the rest of the U.S. Territories are eligible.

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Additional Information

We are here to help you with any questions you might have. Feel free to submit a Free Project Analyis Request for more detailed information regarding your specific scenario.

Definition of “Opportunity Fund”
  • An Opportunity Fund is any corporation or partnership that invests at least 90% of its assets in Opportunity Zone businesses. The Opportunity Fund must be ‘‘certified’’ under rules to be promulgated by the Treasury Secretary.

    Opportunity Zone Funds will be capitalized by investors that sell assets such as stocks, bonds and/or real estate on which capital gains tax is owed; if the cash proceeds from such a sale are deposited into an Opportunity Fund within 180 days, and the investment is held for ten years or more, the investor can completely eliminate capital gains tax on the sale proceeds.

Definition of “Opportunity Zone Business”

To qualify as an Opportunity Zone Business substantially all of the tangible assets of the business must be used in an Opportunity Zone, at least 50% of the gross income earned by the business must be from the active conduct of a business in the Opportunity Zone, and the business can hold only a limited amount of investment assets. With the exception of a limited number of ‘‘sin businesses,’’ almost any type of business will qualify.

Our Financing Programs
EPA Programs
USDA Programs
Other Funding Programs

CBO Financial focuses on economic, environmental, and societal benefits to empower businesses, nonprofits, and municipal agencies to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life in underserved areas. By combining public and private funding sources, CBO Financial ensures that projects in low-income communities can progress efficiently and cost-effectively, driving meaningful revitalization.We’ve financed over $1 billion in high-impact investments nationwide, including $150 million using New Markets Tax Credits awarded to a CBO subsidiary. Backed by powerful funding tools and expertise, you’ll be pushed through to the finish line.

New Markets Tax Credit Programs

A federal subsidy program designed to revitalize distressed communities by providing forgivable gap financing for up to 25% of costs for high-impact projects.

New Markets Tax Credits
 

Capital Magnet Fund

Grants up to $15M to CDFIs and nonprofit housing organizations to finance affordable housing and related economic development activities.

Capital Magnet Fund
 

Bond Guarantee Program

A program that provides CDFIs with access to long-term, low-cost capital by guaranteeing bonds issued by qualified CDFIs, providing fixed rate financing for up to 29 years at ~100 bps over Treasuries.

Bond Guarantee Program
 

CDFI Certification

A designation for specialized financial institutions that provide financial products and services in low-income communities and to targeted populations that lack access to financing.

CDFI Certification
 

Technical Assistance Awards

Grants up to $125K to startup and existing CDFIs to build capacity to serve low-income communities by funding activities such as staff training, technology purchases, and consulting services.

Technical Assistance Awards
 

Financial Assistance Awards

Matching grants up to $2M awarded to CDFIs to enhance their ability to provide loans, investments, and financial services to underserved populations.

Financial Assistance Awards
 

Small Dollar Loan Program

Up to $500K to provide a loan loss reserve to support making affordable consumer loans to low-income individuals for up to $2,500, helping them avoid predatory lending practices.

Small Dollar Loan Program
 

National Community Investment Fund

Loans and guarantees will be made directly to projects with this funding starting in early 2025.

National Community Investment Fund

 

Clean Communities Investment Accelerator

Provides community lenders with grants up to $11M to help accelerate investment in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure projects in low-income communities.

Clean Communities Investment Accelerator

 

Business & Industry

A program that provides loan guarantees up to $25M to rural businesses to improve, develop, or finance business, industry, and employment.

Business & Industry

 

Community Facilities

A program that offers direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants to develop essential community facilities in rural areas up to $5M.

Community Facilities

 

Rural Energy for America Program

A program that provides grants up to $1M and loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.

Rural Energy for America Program

 

Federal Historic Tax Credits

The federal Historic Tax Credit is available for the rehabilitation of historic, income-producing buildings determined by the Secretary of the Interior, through the National Park Service, to be “certified historic structures” for approximately 20% of project costs.

Federal Historic Tax Credits

 

Tax Exempt Bond Funding

Tax Exempt Bond Funding provides low-cost financing for qualified projects by enabling borrowers to access capital at tax-exempt interest rates. This program supports infrastructure, housing, and other eligible projects, fostering economic growth and community development.

Tax Exempt Bond Funding