The State ScaleUp Grants are administered by Apprenticeship Colorado, an initiative of the Office of the Future of Work (OFW) in Colorado. These grants aim to accelerate and diversify the Registered Apprenticeship system across the state by offering strategic funding opportunities for employers and apprenticeship sponsors. This initiative supports the broader mission of OFW to promote an equitable and skilled workforce for the evolving economy of Colorado.
The 2025 State ScaleUp Grants provide competitive awards of up to but not exceeding $50,000 to eligible organizations that are either developing new or expanding existing Registered Apprenticeship Programs. The grant funds capacity-building initiatives that support the sustainability and scalability of apprenticeship offerings, including introducing new occupations, onboarding new employers, expanding into new geographic areas, and increasing the number of apprentices.
Eligible applicants include employers and sponsors who either intend to establish a new Registered Apprenticeship Program or plan to enhance an existing one. Applications must show clear intent and capability to employ apprentices as W2 employees in Colorado, commit to enrolling at least one apprentice within 12 months of the start of the performance period, and submit a complete application package with all required attachments and allowable expenses.
An informational session was hosted virtually on April 29, 2025, to guide prospective applicants through the grant process and answer questions. The session's recording and presentation slides are available online for review. Additionally, a detailed Request for Applications (RFA), Pre-Application Checklist, and Q&A document provide critical guidance for preparing a strong application.
The application must be submitted online no later than May 21, 2025, by 11:59 PM MST. All questions regarding the grant opportunity were accepted until May 2, 2025, and responses were publicly posted by May 6, 2025. Any remaining questions can be directed to Elizabeth Sullivan at the provided state email, with the subject line "RFA State ScaleUp."
