Skill Advance Colorado Job Training Grant

The Skill Advance Colorado Job Training Grant is administered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade in partnership with the Colorado Community College System. This state-level initiative is designed to strengthen the workforce by supporting customized training programs for employees working at Colorado businesses and nonprofit organizations. The program reflects the state’s broader economic development strategy, which prioritizes workforce readiness, employer competitiveness, and long-term career advancement opportunities for residents. Participating community colleges play a central role in managing and delivering the training programs in collaboration with employers. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund employer-driven training that enhances workers’ transferable skills while supporting business growth and retention. The program is divided into two funding streams: Colorado First funds and Existing Industry funds. Colorado First funding supports companies that are relocating to or expanding within Colorado and focuses specifically on training net new hires. Existing Industry funding is aimed at established businesses and nonprofits already operating in the state, helping them remain competitive, adopt new technologies, and prevent layoffs by upskilling their current workforce. Funds provided through this grant are intended exclusively for customized job training programs developed in partnership with eligible educational institutions, primarily within the Colorado Community College System. Allowable uses include curriculum development and delivery tailored to the employer’s operational needs. The program emphasizes practical, skills-based training that leads to improved employee performance, enhanced resumes, and increased long-term employability. While specific restrictions are not explicitly outlined, the funding is clearly tied to workforce training activities rather than general operational expenses. Eligible applicants include for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3). The eligibility criteria differ slightly depending on the funding stream, with Colorado First targeting expanding or relocating companies and Existing Industry serving established organizations. In all cases, applicants must collaborate with a participating community college to design and implement the training program. This partnership is a required component of the application and delivery process. The application process operates on a rolling basis during each fiscal year, typically from July through March. Applicants must coordinate with a participating college, which helps manage the application and training delivery. While detailed application components are not specified, the process involves submitting a proposal outlining the training plan, workforce impact, and alignment with program goals. There is no mention of pre-application requirements such as letters of intent, and no formal evaluation criteria are provided, though alignment with workforce development objectives is clearly central. Program administration and oversight are shared between the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and the Colorado Community College System. Interested applicants can contact the Colorado Community College System via the provided program email for further information and guidance. The program does not specify award timelines, funding amounts, or performance periods, but its recurring annual structure and rolling application window indicate ongoing availability and consistent funding cycles aligned with the state fiscal year.