In a significant boost to rural Colorado’s economic landscape, Local First and the Local Business Institute (LBI) have been awarded a substantial Workforce Resilience Grant. This funding, generously provided by The Colorado Community College System in collaboration with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, is set to revolutionize support for small businesses in the region as they recover and thrive post-COVID-19.

Supporting Rural Businesses with Targeted Training

The primary goal of this grant is to enhance the resilience of rural, local businesses by offering specialized training workshops tailored to their unique needs. Local First, a dedicated advocate for local economic growth, and LBI, known for its innovative business programs, will leverage this grant to deliver transformative support.

Here’s what the grant entails:

Needs Assessment: Local First will conduct a comprehensive survey of rural small businesses to pinpoint their specific needs for workforce resilience training. This will ensure that the support provided is both relevant and impactful.

• Program Development: Collaborating with industry experts from LBI, Local First will develop targeted training programs based on the survey findings. These programs will address critical areas for business improvement and employee development.
• Sustainability Planning: The initiative will include strategies to ensure that the benefits of the grant extend well beyond its duration. This involves planning for the long-term sustainability of the support structures put in place.

Building a Stronger Business Community

Doug McCarthy, CEO of Local First, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support local businesses in La Plata County and beyond with the Workforce Resilience Grant Program. This grant will enable us to empower local businesses, enhance community resilience, and pave the way for sustainable economic growth in rural Colorado communities.”

The grant will allow up to 125 businesses to participate in the “New Thinking for Greater Success” training program, a pre-designed, ready-to-go initiative developed by LBI. Additionally, an unlimited number of employees from rural Colorado-based small businesses will have access to the newly developed Rural Business Resilience Series.

Rebecca Melançon, Co-founder and Director of the Local Business Institute, shared her excitement: “The Local Business Institute is thrilled to collaborate on this important project. We look forward to working with Local First La Plata and helping Colorado businesses thrive.”

Why This Matters

Small independent businesses are the backbone of rural economies. They reinvest a significant portion of their earnings back into their communities, creating jobs, fostering employee loyalty, and contributing to overall economic stability. By focusing on innovative thinking and actionable plans for success, Local First and LBI aim to revitalize the independent business sector and support the sustainable growth of rural communities.

Stay tuned for more information on the upcoming training programs and how they can benefit your business. Together, we can build a resilient and thriving local economy for rural Colorado.