Businesses in southern Colorado with training needs may qualify for financial help through the Colorado First & Existing Industry (CFEI) grants program. The money comes from the Colorado State Office of Economic Development. The money can be used to provide customized job training for companies that are expanding or relocating in Colorado. Grants are also available for existing companies that need to train employees in new technology. Not only do the grants make companies stronger financially, they enhance worker skills, making them more employable in the future.  Colorado First Customized Job Training Program

Colorado First is intended for new hires. The grant may provide:

• Instructor’s wages
• Curriculum Development
• The purchase of consumable training supplies
• $1,200 maximum per employee

Colorado Existing Industry Job Training Program
This program provides assistance to established Colorado businesses in order to:

• Remain competitive
• Adapt to new technology
• Prevent layoffs
• $1,000 maximum per employee

The deadline to apply is March 21, 2017 and all training must be completed by the end of May. The training must be customized to meet the company’s specific needs and employees must sign an affidavit certifying they are participating in the training. This grant will only pay for training for permanent, full-time, positions in the state of Colorado. Retail businesses, non-profits and government agencies are also ineligible. Training which is required by the federal or state government is also not eligible. Seasonal employees are also not eligible.

For more information, contact Donna Haddow at Trinidad State College (719) 846-5724 or donna.haddow@trinidadstate.edu.