DENVER - Today, at the Governor's Mansion, Gov. Polis and the Talent Innovation Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced eight supplemental, performance-based grants for previous recipients of the Opportunity Now Colorado grant program. This funding is intended to help Opportunity Now grantees build on their success, preparing more Coloradans for good jobs that pay well and meet the workforce needs of Colorado's top industries.

"With support from Opportunity Now, over 8,274 Coloradans have already found jobs and even more are developing new skills. The funding announced today will continue this important work so even more Coloradans can get the experience they need to start new careers that will support them and their families," said Governor Polis.

To date, the Opportunity Now Colorado grant program has awarded $89.5 million through 96 grants. The top sectors served include healthcare, education and infrastructure and construction, while also supporting Colorado's growing leadership in sectors such as quantum, semiconductors, clean tech and advanced manufacturing. Grant recipients are projected to serve 20,000 Coloradans, with 8,274 already placed into advanced industries, healthcare, education and construction/infrastructure jobs. The funding announced today is being awarded to previous grantees with the capacity to serve Coloradans beyond their original commitment.

"These Opportunity Now recipients have a proven track record of placing Coloradans into new jobs and filling jobs in high-priority industries. We are thrilled to support their ongoing work, and by emphasizing outcomes, ensuring that Opportunity Now Funding helps more Coloradans develop new skills and find new job opportunities," said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman.

The performance-based funding announced today will be awarded to each recipient based on the number of verified job placements, annual salary increases of 10% or more, and ongoing retention. The award amounts will also be scaled to reflect factors like higher salaries for new workers. Verification will be led by the Colorado Evaluation & Action Lab and completed using Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) data.

A total of up to $1,661,400 will be awarded to eight Opportunity Now Performance Funding grantees. Recipients include:

• ActivateWork - Up to $249,900
• Associated General Contractors - Up to $249,900
• CareerWise - Up to $249,900
• Colorado River BOCES - Up to $135,000
• CrossPurpose - Up to $249,900
• Joint Initiatives for Youth and Families - Up to $249,900
• Servicios de La Raza - Up to $249,900
• Tepeyac Community Health Center - Up to $27,000

About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado's economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire-and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

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