Funds are available through the Enterprise Zone Act for manufacturers to train their employees on the use of newly installed equipment, newly implemented technology, new and improved processes and safety refreshers. Export-related retraining for eligible employees in logistics, regulatory and administrative areas may also be eligible. Your company can get back up to 67% of what you spend on training eligible employees in these qualified areas. An unlimited number of approved retraining courses are allowed over a five-year time period, with a maximum yearly refund of up to $1,000 per eligible employee.
Where to Begin
To get started, your company would partner with Trident Technical College to develop your customized EZone Retraining Program and you decide what level of ongoing support you want from TTC. The level of support provided by the college can vary by company needs.
| Tasks Included | 10% of Refund Goes to TTC | 20% of Refund Goes to TTC |
| Provide Administrative Support | Basic Level | Complex Level |
| Provide Basic Approvals | Yes | Yes |
| Review and Supervise Training Plan | Basic Level | Complex Level and/or Large Plan |
| Maintain Support of Company Paperwork | No | Yes |
| Develop and Track a Calculating Spreadsheet | No | Yes |
| Coordinate and Schedule Training | No | Yes |
Refunds are provided by the S.C. Department of Revenue. Though there is no initial application fee for new companies, there is a $250 annual renewal fee (payable to the S.C. Department of Revenue) due each year.
Does Your Company Qualify for the EZone Retraining Program?
To qualify for the program, your company must meet each of these criteria:
- Our company’s facility is located in South Carolina.
- Our company covers 50% or more of health care premiums for our employees
- Our company falls within one of these industry types: Manufacturing, Processing or Technology Intensive.
- Our participating employees are full-time (not temp or contract).
- Our participating employees are production or technology first line employees or immediate supervisors.
- Our participating employees have been continuously on company payroll for two or more years.
- Our participating employees are not subject to a job development credit, including a preliminary revitalization agreement.
- Our retraining is occurring in or on one of the following areas:
- Newly installed equipment
- Newly implemented/improved processes/products
- Newly implemented technology
- Safety refreshers
- Enabling or increasing export processes
- Registered apprenticeship programs (must meet all EZone requirements)
What Type of Training Areas Do Not Qualify for the EZone Retraining Program?
Though these areas of training do not qualify for funding through EZone, they may qualify for other types of scholarship funding. Talk to your TTC account representative for details.
- Executive Training
- Management/Leadership Development Training
- Career Development
- Personal Enrichment Training
- Cross Training of employees on equipment or technology that is not new to the company.