JTIP Program enhanced to benefit Green Industries

New Mexico’s Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) was founded in 1972 to support job creation in the industrial sector of the New Mexico economy, primarily manufacturing.  JTIP promotes job growth by reimbursing qualified companies for a portion of the wages paid to new hires in newly created jobs during the initial learning and training period.   The reimbursement period ranges from one to six months, depending on job complexity and wages paid.  The reimbursement percentage typically ranges from 50% to 75%, depending on the business location and wage.  Companies in rural and economically challenged areas are reimbursed at higher percentages than companies in urban locations.

As the New Mexico economy evolves, legislators, the JTIP board, and JTIP staff consider how JTIP can support desired business growth in other sectors of the New Mexico economy.  Non-retail service providers which bring at least 50% of revenue from customers out of state became eligible to apply for JTIP funding a number of years ago. 

The State of New Mexico has now set its sights on being a leader in green industries, targeting these for business and job growth.  Although JTIP has funded companies in green manufacturing for years, JTIP policy has recently expanded to accommodate other green businesses which were previously ineligible. 

Based on a bill passed by the New Mexico Legislature in the 2009 regular session, JTIP policy has been expanded to include businesses  “that exist for the sole purpose of contributing directly to preserving or enhancing environmental quality by reducing waste and pollution or by producing sustainable products using sustainable processes and materials.” 

Examples which may be included in this group are businesses primarily engaged in:
     · energy system retrofits to increase energy efficiency and conservation
     · production and distribution of biofuels and vehicle retrofits for biofuels
     · building design and construction that meet the equivalent of best available technology in energy and environmental design standards
     · organic and community food production
     · manufacture of products from non-toxic, environmentally certified or recycled materials
     · manufacture and production of sustainable technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines and fuel cells
     · solar technology installation and maintenance
     · recycling, green composting and large-scale reuse of construction and demolition materials and debris;
     · water system retrofits to increase water efficiency and conservation.

One of the most significant changes for green industries is the exemption from the out-of-state revenue requirement for green industry service providers, like solar system installers.  In order to be JTIP eligible, qualifying green businesses must still meet other JTIP program requirements, including verification of expanding employment and creation of JTIP eligible jobs. 

JTIP Job Requirements
To be eligible for funding under JTIP, jobs must be full-time, year-round, newly created, and directly related to the production of the product (manufacturers) or the delivery of the service (business service providers and distributors).  The jobs must also meet a minimum wage requirement.

For More Information about JTIP
Check out the state incentive link on this website or contact the JTIP staff at New Mexico Economic Development Department.

Therese Varela, Program Manager
505-827-0323 • therese.varela@state.nm.us

Cindy Evans, Program. Administrator/Marketing
505-827-0238 • cynthia.evans@state.nm.us

New Mexico Economic Development Department
Job Training Incentive Program
Joseph M. Montoya Building, Suite 1060 • 1100 St. Francis Dr.
Santa Fe, NM 87505-4147 • 800-374-3061
www.goNM.biz