Workforce Incentives
Colorado’s job training programs provide $4.5M in grants per year to companies that are locating or expanding in Colorado.
Colorado First and Existing Industry Grants
Colorado First and Existing Industry Customized Job Training Programs support Colorado’s workforce development by providing grants to existing companies as well as those locating or expanding in Colorado. By reimbursing costs associated with job training, the programs increase transferable job skills that both support the company’s competitiveness and enhance worker’s resumes and long-term employment opportunities.
Focusing on companies relocating to or expanding in Colorado, the Colorado First program assists with training funds for net new hires.
The Existing Industry program focuses on providing assistance to established Colorado companies in order to remain competitive within their industry, adapt to new technology, and prevent layoffs.
Both programs are jointly administered by the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and managed through participating colleges.
Requirements/Eligibility
- Companies must contribute a minimum of 40% (cash or in-kind) to the total costs of grant-funded training.
- All grant-funded training must be customized for the company’s specific needs.
- Training costs are reimbursed after training takes place.
- An on-site company visit by OEDIT and CCCS representatives is required.
- Companies must pay an average hourly wage of at least $13.00/hour in urban counties and at least minimum wage in rural counties.
- Federal or state mandated training (e.g. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) / Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is not eligible for grant funding.
- Grant funded training must be for full-time (32 hours/week), non-seasonal, non-retail employees eligible to work in the U.S. who have significant career opportunities and require substantive instruction.