DOL Introduces “Step-Up” Program to Encourage New Hiring

The state’s Department of Labor has begun publicizing its new “Step-Up” program to encourage small businesses and small manufacturers to hire new employees. Created during the General Assembly’s October Special Session, the program provides grants to help subsidize a portion of an eligible employee's costs of employment, including training, during the first six months of his or her employment.

Under the program, eligible small businesses can receive a grant of 100% of an eligible new employee's training and compensation costs, up to a maximum of $20 an hour, during the employee’s first month of employment. The percentage of covered training and compensation costs subsequently phases out over the employee's next five months of employment. A grant for training and compensating a newly hired employee at an eligible small manufacturer can be up to $12,500 for six months, with a fixed monthly limit that phases out over that period.