Local Industry Grant Hire, Train, Retain (LIGHTR)
LIGHTR is a training grant offered by Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development in partnership with the City of Fort Collins Economic Health Office. The program helps small businesses offset the cost of training and certifications for current employees, supporting business growth, employee upward mobility and workforce development.
The Benefits of LIGHTR
- Fill existing skill gaps in your workforce and for your business
- Access funds to offset the cost of professional development
- Upskill current staff to fill key positions
- Improve retention by investing in both your business and your employees
Funding Overview
LIGHTR will cover up to $3,000 in total training costs per business, including:
- Tuition
- Training materials
- Certification/licensure costs
Not covered: Equipment (e.g., computers), employee wages, time spent in training, travel, lodging, or per diem expenses.
All costs in excess of the award amount are to be covered by the business.
LIGHTR can cover up to $3,000 in eligible costs, your actual award will reflect the specific costs of our approved training program and available funding at the time of application.
Eligibility for LIGHTR
Business Eligibility
Your business may qualify if it meets all of the following criteria:
- Has 2–50 employees
- Is located within Larimer County
- Is structured as an LLC, LLP, or Corporation and is in good standing with the State of Colorado
- Has a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
- Pays into unemployment insurance for employees
- Provides workers' compensation insurance for employees
- Businesses located within the City of Fort Collins must also be compliant with City of Fort Collins sales tax requirements and licensing. If you're unsure of your compliance status, contact business@fortcollins.gov.
Employee Eligibility
This program is designed to train W-2 employees who:
- Work in Larimer County
- Are on payroll and covered by the business's unemployment and workers' compensation insurance
This program is not available for seasonal workers, business owners, or self-employed individuals such as sole proprietors without employees.
Training Requirements
Training funded through LIGHTR must:
- Be 12 months or less in duration
- Lead to a measurable gain for the employee, the business, or both, such as:
- Increased employee wages or hours
- Result in employee promotion
- Achieve an industry-recognized certificate
- Increased business revenue, production, or capacity
Examples of qualifying training: Project management, software operation, leadership/management, compliance and safety, Six Sigma, ISO/AS9100, supply chain management, bookkeeping, quality assurance, Cyber/CMMC, World Trade Center Denver certifications and customer service certifications.
How It Works
Businesses identify their own training provider and program. Please note that LIGHTR does not provide training directly. The training provider must be a separate entity from the applying business; the grant cannot fund in-house training delivered by the business itself.
How to Apply
Complete the LIGHTR Application
Questions
Contact the LIGHTR team at business@larimer.org.
