Small business is the lynchpin of Colorado's economy. With nearly a half-million small businesses in operation in Colorado, it's important they're given every opportunity to grow and succeed. Unfortunately, many small business owners cite rising health-care costs as the No. 1 issue they face. Luckily, the Affordable Care Act is changing that.

The small-business health-care tax credit helps small businesses and small tax-exempt organizations afford the cost of covering their employees. It's specifically targeted for those businesses with low- and moderate-income workers. Four million small businesses nationwide are eligible for these tax credits, which are meant to encourage small employers to offer health insurance coverage for the first time or maintain the coverage they already have.

A business that employs up to 25 people, pays average annual wages below $50,000, and provides health insurance may qualify for the tax credit of up to 35 percent (up to 25 percent for nonprofits) to offset the cost of insurance. The credit goes up to 50 percent for small business employers (35 percent for non-profits) beginning in 2014.

Beginning in 2014, individuals, families and businesses with fewer than 100 employees can