The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is accepting applications for its work-based learning inventive program.

The program provides incentives for employers interested in growing and diversifying the experiential learning system to create new or enhance existing work-based learning programs for youth and adults.

The program offers Colorado-based employers reimbursements of up to $10,000. Small businesses and those in rural communities are eligible to receive additional incentives of $100.

Both private and nonprofit employers are eligible to apply.

Applications will be evaluated in the order they are received with funding available on a first-come, first-served basis. The program will run through May 2024 or until funding runs out.

“Finding and keeping talented employees can be challenging in today’s job market. One proven strategy used by businesses of all sizes in all industries all across Colorado is work-based learning,” said Stephanie Mufic, business innovation and strategy unit manager at the state labor department. “This program will provide funding to help with the startup costs of developing work-based learning programs, including training dollars that could be used in partnership with institutions of higher education or other training providers.”

For additional information about the program — including a checklist to prepare employers for the application process and instructions on how to apply — applicants should visit the website located at www.wbli.cdle.co