Colorado First Grant Guidelines

Training is provided only for full-time, primary (dollar-importing) jobs being created by companies newly locating or undertaking a significant expansion in Colorado.

Part-time, seasonal, retail and tourism jobs are not eligible.

Training is provided only for jobs that pay above minimum wage and for which health benefits are provided.

Colorado FIRST administrators seek to work with companies paying a minimum of $7.00 in rural areas of the state (defined as non-entitlement areas by the Dept. of Housing & Urban Development), and $8.00 in large urban areas along the Front Range. Such jobs generate the needed return on tax dollars invested and help to reduce the ranks of Coloradans on public assistance programs. Colorado FIRST grants shall not be used to pay wages or stipends to trainees.

Existing community college or area vocational school facilities and resources must be used whenever they meet the company's training requirements and standards.

Training must not duplicate existing course offerings of Colorado state supported educational institutions.

Participating companies are expected to contribute money and resources to help train their own employees. Colorado FIRST will not fund 100 percent of project training costs.

Training sessions are designed to be job-specific and short-term, lasting only until the start-up or expansion training needs of the company are satisfied. Colorado FIRST does not assist companies with normal continuing education requirements.

Companies seeking Colorado FIRST benefits may be requested to utilize federal Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) resources when feasible and available.

Companies may be required to return all or a portion of a Colorado FIRST grants if they fail to create the jobs for which the grant was made.

The community college or area vocational school will conduct an on-site monitoring visit of the training project at least once during the term of the training project. CCCOES will conduct a post-training monitoring of all projects with the grant administrator on an annual basis, and OED will monitor the businesses to determine the success of training in meeting goals and objectives.

Colorado FIRST grants will not be considered for Colorado companies relocating within the state, unless it is part of an overall expansion that will create new jobs.

Prior to any funding commitments, a review of financial information shall be required for companies seeking Colorado FIRST grants. Such information is held confidential by the state and college.

Eligibility for Colorado FIRST does not guarantee funding. These funds are subject to annual state Legislative appropriations. At times the grant process can become competitive.

A final report is required of the company. A percentage of funding will be withheld if the company does not meet its job creation obligations. The final report shall include information confirming the completion of goals and objectives sought in the grant. Final payment will not be made until final report is received and approved by the state.

For more information call:
303.914.6769 or 888.329.7076
email: jeannine.kreller@rrcc.edu

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