What do the different Rate Types (per-trainee vs. per-group) mean?

Express Program courses can be billed by providers in one of two ways. Before applying, always confirm the rate type and total cost with the training provider offering the course you wish to take.

1. Per-Trainee Rate

• Definition: Billed per individual attendee. Some providers may offer discounts to the per trainee rate if there are more employees attending.
• Best For: Sending a few employees to an open-enrollment course.
• Subsidy Cap: Generally eligible for a subsidy match up to $3,000 per trainee, not to exceed $15,000 for all trainees or $300 per instructional hour.

2. Per-Group (Flat) Rate

• Definition: A single flat fee for the entire session, regardless of the number of attendees.
• Best For: Private, on-site training for a team.
• Subsidy Cap: Generally eligible for a subsidy match up to $15,000 per group, not to exceed $3000 per person or $300 per instructional hour.

Some courses may be preapproved at both a per-trainee rate and a group rate, so it’s best to connect with the provider first before applying to confirm how you will be charged for the course. You can locate the rate type for each individual course within our Express Course Directory. For example, the course below is approved at both a per-trainee and group rate. If a course is not offered at either a per trainee rate or group rate, it won’t show-up as an option in the Express Course Directory or to select on our application:

How is my Grant Award calculated?

We approve funding based on three main criteria:

1. Directory Alignment: The rate type (per trainee or group rate) must be approved for the course you are applying for, and the amount we approve cannot exceed the cost listed in the Express Course Directory.
2. Subsidy Limits: The requested amount must fall within current program subsidy caps. You can review our current subsidy caps here. Our application will calculate the max reimbursement rate we can approve based on our subsidy limits.
3. Annual Cap: The business must have a remaining balance within its $15,000 annual subsidy limit.

Note on Membership Discounts: If you are paying a discounted rate (e.g., a Chamber of Commerce member rate) that differs from the price in the Express Course Directory, you must enter the actual price you are paying in your application. 

Next Step: For a step-by-step guide on entering costs in the application, please see our step-by-step directions here.