Colorado First and Existing Industry Grant Program

The Skill Advance Colorado Grant Program provides state-funded grants to Colorado businesses to support customized job training. The program is designed to enhance workforce skills, improve employment opportunities, and increase business competitiveness. It offers financial assistance for net new hire training and incumbent worker upskilling through two primary grant programs: Colorado First Job Training Program (CF) Provides funding for new and expanding Colorado businesses to train newly hired employees. Supports customized, short-term, worksite training aligned with organizational needs. Existing Industry Job Training Program (EI) Provides funding for established Colorado businesses to train incumbent workers. Supports reskilling and upskilling efforts to help employees adapt to new technologies and business needs. Application Timeline The grant application submission deadline has been extended to April 11, 2025. Businesses interested in applying must work directly with a local community college representative, who will assist with eligibility determination, training needs assessment, and grant application development. Eligibility Available to Colorado businesses only. Supports customized, short-term training programs that align with business needs. Includes technical skills development and employee retention efforts. Businesses must coordinate with a participating local community college for application submission. Grant Administration The Skill Advance Colorado program is funded through the Colorado First (CF) and Existing Industry (EI) Job Training Programs and is jointly administered by: The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Additional Information Training grants fund a wide range of essential and technical skills development. Grantees receive ongoing assistance with training implementation and grant management. A local college representative assists businesses with the grant process. For more information, businesses should contact their local community college representative or visit the Skill Advance Colorado website.