Jefferson County EDC

Colorado FIRST/Existing Industries Customized Training

Both programs are administered jointly by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the Colorado Community College System (CCCS).

Colorado First grants are for companies that are relocating to Colorado or existing companies that are undertaking a major expansion. Existing Industry grants are designed for Colorado companies that are implementing new technology to compete in a competitive economy. Approved training is for transferable job skills that support the company’s economic competitiveness by re-training workers with new skills, while enhancing the worker’s resumes and long-term employment opportunities.

The grant applications are reviewed in a competitive process by administering agencies twice per year. These applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal calendar year and meet the following criteria:

$800/employee maximum
Grant funded training must be permanent, full-time, non-seasonal, non-retail, positions in Colorado, which have significant career opportunities and require substantive instruction
Grants will only be awarded to companies that meet a sustainable wage threshold: in urban areas employers must pay an average wage of at least $10.46/hour. Average wages in rural areas must be at least $8.21/hour
All grant funded training must be customized to meet the company’s specific needs
Companies must pay for at least 40% of the total training costs
A financial evaluation of the company is required (Existing Industry grants only)
An on-site visit of the company is required