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Courtesy of Activate Work.
Courtesy of Activate Work.
Opportunity Now awards supplemental workforce grants
ColoradoBiz Staff //January 21, 2026//
DENVER — The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade announced Tuesday that eight organizations will receive supplemental, performance-based funding through the Opportunity Now Colorado grant program.
In Brief:
- Eight organizations will receive supplemental Opportunity Now workforce grants.
- The funding is performance based and tied to job placement and retention.
- The program has awarded $89.5 million through 96 grants statewide.
- More than 8,274 Coloradans have been placed into jobs so far.
The additional funding is intended for previous grant recipients that have exceeded initial commitments and demonstrated the capacity to serve more workers.
Since its launch, the Opportunity Now program has awarded $89.5 million through 96 grants. The program has supported workforce training in healthcare, education and infrastructure and construction, as well as sectors including quantum, semiconductors, clean tech and advanced manufacturing.
Grant recipients are projected to serve 20,000 Coloradans. As of the most recent reporting period, 8,274 participants have been placed in jobs in advanced industries, healthcare, education and construction and infrastructure.
The supplemental funding will be awarded based on verified job placements, annual salary increases of 10% or more and employee retention. Award amounts will also be adjusted based on new workers’ wage levels.
Verification will be conducted by the Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab using data from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
Up to $1,661,400 will be awarded to the following organizations:
- 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
