The Subsidized Training and Employment Program (Step Up) is an initiative of the Connecticut Department of
Labor and the state’s five Workforce Investment Boards. Step Up offers two programs: the Wage Subsidy
Program and the Small Manufacturer Training Grant Program. Each program offers employer incentives to hire
new employees and create jobs.

Eligible companies, defined as a small business or manufacturer with not more than 100 employees, can apply for
one program for each new hire – an employer cannot use multiple programs for one new hire.

The program was expanded in June 2012 to include the Unemployed Armed Forces Member Subsidized
Training and Employment Program. This program, similar to Wage Subsidy program, is available to eligible
employers of any size that hire an unemployed veteran (see below for qualifying details).

     Subsidized Training and Employment Program Eligibility

       Worker Eligibility:

       • Unemployed prior to hire

       • Resident of municipality that has an unemployment rate equal to or higher than the state rate as of
        September 1, 2011, or resides in a town with a population of 80,000 or more

       • Adjusted family income equal to or less than 250% of the federal poverty level

       • New employee does not mean a person employed on a temporary or seasonal basis by a retailer
  
       Employer Eligibility:

      • Small business or manufacturer with not more than 100 full-time workers (no size limit under the
        Unemployed Armed Forces Member Subsidized Training and Employment Program)

      • Has been registered to conduct business for at least 12 months and has operations in CT

     • Business must be in good standing with the payment of state and local taxes

   Subsidized Wage Program Incentives

   A wage subsidy for new hires (up to $20 per hour and can be reimbursed up to $12,000 – excludes benefits)
   is provided over a 180 day period