ECoNA update for April 17 — ACA Job Training Grants Application Open

There’s some good news for our small businesses in northern Arizona and around the state that I’m pleased to share with you today.

The Arizona Commerce Authority is offering to reimburse businesses up to 75 percent of the cost of training new hires in the latest round of funding under the state’s Job Training Program.

Businesses must apply for assistance by May 15. There is an $11 million pool of funding available; if the total funding requested by all companies exceeds this amount, the awards will be granted on a competitive basis.

The grants support the design and delivery of customized training plans for employers creating “net new” jobs at their businesses. Funding can only be used to train new employees, as opposed to retraining incumbent workers. 

In rural areas – essentially everywhere outside of Maricopa and Pima counties – the average salary of all employees in the training program must be at least $26,190. This can include commissions and bonuses, but not fringe benefits.

Under the grant, the ACA will reimburse small businesses with less than 100 employees and companies in rural areas up to $8,000 per employee being trained. The maximum grant a single employer can receive is $1.3 million.

Employers are encouraged to review the complete rules and guidelines for this program by visiting https://www.azcommerce.com/incentives/job-training. You can also apply online for the program there.

Custom Training Solutions AZ is providing grant application assistance for companies in Northern Arizona that are expanding their workforce. You can reach them at 928.710.0155.

Sincerely,

John Stigmon

ECoNA President & CEO