Competitive Grant-in-Aid (GIA)
Program Description
The BSSC's grant-in-aid program's basic purpose is to improve and promote employment opportunities
for the residents of the Commonwealth through training grants with business and industry. The GIA
program provides reimbursement dollars to companies/consortia for company specific training
activities. For consideration a company must complete and submit an application and receive approval
from the BSSC Board of Directors. Once the application is approved by the board the company can
begin eligible training.
Project Funding
The maximum funding amount for individual companies during a BSSC fiscal year (July 1 – June 30)
is as follows (based on the number of Kentucky resident full-time employees): $25,000 (1-499) and
$50,000 (500 plus). The Consortia maximum is $75,000. The minimum application amount is $2,500. The
average training cost per trainee in any single training activity cannot exceed $2,000 if the trainee
average wage equals $13.00 or less; $3,000 if the trainee average wage equals $13.01 to $17.00; and
$4,000 if the trainee average wage equals $17.01 or more.
Eligible Firms
The following firms are eligible to apply for BSSC funds: manufacturing, non-manufacturing
(majority of income for services provided must be generated outside of Kentucky), headquarter
operations (majority of services provided must be for facilities located outside of Kentucky),
public or non-profit hospitals, and training consortia.
Eligible Training
The following training types are allowed under BSSC guidelines: Pre-Employment Skills Training, Entry
Level Skills Training, & Skills Upgrade Training. The following are examples of eligible training
activities and methods: classroom & OJT training, innovative training techniques, individual
assessment, train-the-trainer travel, tuition, and certification. Stand-alone safety, mandated
training, trainee wages, retroactive training, and pro/con union training are not eligible.
Training Costs
The BSSC provides up to 50% reimbursement for eligible training activities. This training can be
provided by an in-house trainer, a consultant, or an educational institution. BSSC will reimburse
$25 per hour ($50 p/h total training) for all in-house training. Consultant & Education Provider
rates vary from $50-$65 per hour. To view specific rates refer to our
GIA guidelines.
Eligible Employees
Participants in the GIA program must be residents of Kentucky who are full-time employees of the applicant
company. Eligible employees must make a minimum of $9.83 per hour base wage plus 15% benefits.
Application Scoring
An application must score at least 25 points to go before the BSSC Board of Directors. For full
scoring criteria refer to the
BSSC guidelines.