Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Manufacturing Matters Monthly Call – May
May’s Topic – Enterprise Zones – From Program Insight to Practical Action
May 14, 2026 | 12-1pm MDT on Zoom
This 60‑minute Manufacturing Matters webinar will provide a comprehensive, actionable look at Colorado’s Enterprise Zone Program, combining official program insight with expert tax law and incentive guidance to help businesses turn opportunity into results.
The session will feature Che Sheehan, Enterprise Zone Program Manager at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), who will kick things off with an overview of the Enterprise Zone Program and the recent statewide re-designation. Che will walk you through what Enterprise Zones are, why they matter, and how recent updates may impact eligibility and available benefits.
Che will then dive deeper into two specific Enterprise Zone programs, including the manufacturing-focused program and an additional Enterprise Zone offering, providing clarity around eligibility, qualifying activities, and how these incentives are intended to be used by Colorado businesses.
To bridge policy with practice, Anthony Shibata of Wipfli will join the discussion to help you understand how to successfully evaluate, pursue, and maximize these incentives. Anthony will share practical guidance on what companies should be paying close attention to when claiming Enterprise Zone credits, highlight common mistakes that can limit value, and offer insight into the right questions businesses should be asking their tax advisors.
For companies without specialized incentive expertise in-house – or those unsure whether you’re capturing the full value – Anthony will also outline how Wipfli’s experienced credits and incentives team can serve as a strategic partner, helping organizations navigate complexity, ensure compliance, and unlock the full potential of Enterprise Zone benefits.
The webinar will conclude with an interactive Q&A segment, giving you the opportunity to select the Enterprise Zone programs you would like to explore further and get direct answers from both program leadership and advisory experts.
Panel Members:
Che Sheehan is a Senior Program Manager in the Business Funding and Incentives division at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). He specializes in the Enterprise Zone Program and other business incentives, contributing to economic development in Colorado. Sheehan holds a B.A. in Economics from Colorado College and is based in Denver.
Anthony Shibata is a leader in technology consulting and business strategy, bringing a dynamic blend of vision, collaboration and entrepreneurial drive to his clients. As a partner in technology consulting at Wipfli, Anthony advises clients on industry strategy and the adoption of software and applications such as ERP, CRM, BI and cybersecurity solutions. He has supported a diverse range of clients — from startups to established companies — in industries including construction, nonprofit, real estate, manufacturing and distribution.
