Veteran & Military Spouse
Business Accelerator

The Skill Advance Colorado Job Training Grant helps businesses and nonprofits create customized job training for employees. The Colorado First (CF) Job Training Program provides funds for net new hire training and focuses on new and expanding businesses in Colorado with a need to train workers with the skills necessary to increase their productivity, to increase their wages, and to reduce their need for public support. The Existing Industry (EI) Job Training Program provides funding for incumbent worker training and supports established Colorado businesses with adapting to new technology and preventing layoffs. Per learner maximum annual funding (based on total training funds approved factored against number of unduplicated learners): Standard CF and EI Grants: CF - $2,800, EI - $2,500 / CF and EI Mini Grants for Micro Businesses: CF - $3,800, EI - $3,500

The Cultural STAR Program provides grants and loans to Saint Paul cultural projects and organizations. Most projects are located in the Saint Paul Cultural District (bordered by I-94 to the north, the Lafayette Bridge to the east, the Mississippi River to the south, and Chestnut Road to the west). Cultural STAR grows Saint Paul's economy by strengthening the arts and cultural sector and supporting downtown as a vital cultural center.

The Oklahoma Healthy Food Financing Program aims to promote the availability and sale of healthy food options in low-income and underserved communities. The program provides grants of up to $10,000 to build, renovate, or expand grocery and retail outlets to improve the availability of fresh produce and healthy foods. Eligible projects include new stores, small retailers, and renovations. Recipients must agree to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and allocate at least 30% of retail space to the sale of fresh, perishable foods, among other stipulations.

The KeyBank Foundation is investing $300,000 to support small businesses and commercial property owners located in the city of Rochester’s EMMA and Beechwood neighborhoods. The program will provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for capital improvements such as façade upgrades, lighting, signage, interior repairs, accessibility enhancements and safety improvements—projects designed to immediately improve the appearance, functionality and walkability of neighborhood business corridors.

The Non-Traditional Apprenticeship Incentive Program provides employers with an incentive payment of $1,000 per non-trade apprentice hired and registered after the completion of the required probationary period. Employers are eligible for up to $5,000 in monetary incentives per calendar year and may collect no more than $1,000 for each unique apprentice. NOTE: Non-traditional apprenticeships are apprenticeships that are registered with the Department of Labor and Training that are outside of the construction trades. The required probationary period is a standard that established as part of the apprenticeship approval process and will vary based on the apprenticeship model.