Colorado Existing Industry Customized Training Program
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT)
Up to $1,500/employee; $150K max
CO pays $1.5K per trained worker for existing businesses
Colorado reimburses existing Colorado businesses for training costs when companies are creating or retaining jobs. The Existing Industry Customized Training Program provides grants of up to $1,500 per employee trained — to a maximum of $150,000 per company per year — to help businesses compete in their markets by upskilling their workforce. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by OEDIT's Business Funding and Incentives team.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount range
- $3,000 – $150,000
- Realistic amount
- $15,000–$90,000 for most mid-sized Colorado employers (10–60 employees trained)
- Deadline
- Rolling — applications accepted through OEDIT subject to annual appropriations.
- Status
- active
- States
- CO
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Employer must be an existing Colorado business (not a company new to Colorado — that is handled by the New Business Customized Training Program)
- Must be creating or retaining quality jobs in Colorado
- Training must be for Colorado-based employees (new hires or incumbent workers)
- Training must be occupationally specific — tied directly to the employee's job duties
- All industry sectors are eligible
- Any size employer; small businesses are encouraged to apply
- Training must be delivered by a qualified provider: community college, approved trainer, or qualified internal instructor
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Tuition and fees for approved training providers
- Instructor fees for qualified private trainers
- Training materials and curriculum costs directly related to skill development
- Certification and exam fees
- E-learning platform fees for approved job-specific training
Ineligible expenses
- Employee wages during training
- Generic coursework not tied to specific job duties
- OSHA or safety training without a skill advancement component
- Training for employees outside Colorado
- Travel and lodging costs
- Administrative overhead
How to apply
-
1
Contact OEDIT Business Funding team
Reach out to OEDIT's Business Funding and Incentives team to discuss eligibility and current funding availability. They will guide your training plan to align with program requirements.
~2 hrs
-
2
Submit application with training plan
Complete the OEDIT Existing Industry Customized Training application. Include employer information, training provider, job roles being trained, number of trainees, and projected training costs.
~5 hrs
-
3
Execute training contract
After OEDIT approval, a training contract is executed. Training must be delivered within the approved timeframe and scope.
~1 hrs
-
4
Deliver training and maintain records
Conduct training using the approved provider and format. Document attendance, training hours, and completion for each employee.
~2 hrs
-
5
Submit reimbursement claim
Submit invoices, attendance records, and completion documentation to OEDIT. Reimbursement of up to $1,500 per trained employee (max $150,000) is processed after verification.
~3 hrs
Note the distinction: this program is for EXISTING Colorado businesses. Companies NEW to Colorado should ask OEDIT about the companion New Business Customized Training Program. Apply at fiscal year start (July) — budget can run short by Q3.
Deadline & timing
The Existing Industry Customized Training Program operates on an annual budget cycle. Apply early in the state fiscal year (July 1) for best chance of funding. OEDIT may pause applications if the budget is exhausted mid-year. Contact OEDIT's Business Funding team to confirm current availability.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.