Colorado First and Existing Industry grants are administered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and the Colorado Community College System. The program’s goals are to promote and encourage the expansion and well-being of existing Colorado companies and to attract new businesses to Colorado. The grants are administered through the local community colleges.

Colorado First grants are for companies relocating to Colorado or existing companies undertaking a major expansion and hiring new employees.

Existing Industry grants are for Colorado companies deploying new technology to stay competitive and keep jobs in Colorado. Approved training is for transferable job skills that support the company's economic competitiveness by providing its workers in new skills, and enhancing workers' resumes and long-term employment opportunities.

Criteria for grant applications are:

• Maximum grant award of $800 per employee
• Grant-funded training must be for permanent, full-time, non-seasonal, non-retail positions in Colorado, which have significant career opportunities and require substantive instruction.
• Grants are only 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 wage in rural areas must be at least $8.21/hour.
• All grant-funded training must be customized to meet specific company needs
• Applicant companies must pay for a minimum of 40% of the total training costs
• A financial evaluation of the applicant company is required for an Existing Industry grant.
• An on-site visit of the applicant company is required

Grant Application Process and Procedure Documents:

• Criteria – Policies – FY10
• Fiscal Guidelines – FY10
• Financial Review Guidelines – FY10
• Financial Review – Cover Page & Checklist – FY10
• Colorado First FY10 Grant Application
  • Colorado First FY10 Wage Information
  • Colorado First FY10 Training Budget
• Existing Industry FY10 Grant Application
  • Existing Industry FY10 Wage Information
  • Existing Industry FY10 Training Budget
• Application Deadlines and Approval Schedule - Calendar FY10

To discuss your eligibility for a Colorado First or Existing Industry grant, call 303.734.3702.