National

Longhorn State Offers Employee Training Grants.

Small-business owners who need to train or retrain employees can apply for up to $1.5 million per year in training grants from the Smart Jobs Fund operated by the Texas Department of Economic Development.

The grants underwrite education ranging from classroom instruction to on-the-job training. They are available to firms that have been in operation for at least one year, have at least one employee, are financially sound and are current on their state tax obligations. The program is open to all types of companies, but it especially targets firms that are small, minority-owned, located in adversely affected defense-dependent communities or which operate in an enterprise zone.

To apply, you must submit a business plan that details the training you need and how it will enhance your firm's competitiveness. Unless you obtain an exemption, training must be accompanied by a salary increase.

Funding decisions are made within 30 working days of receiving complete applications. For more information on the Smart Jobs Fund, call (512) 936-0500.

This article was originally published in the January 1998 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: National.