Keep Smart Books Academy

If you’re a local business owner in Larimer County, this is something you don’t want to miss 👇

There is an incredible opportunity right now through the Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development LIGHTR (Hire, Train, Retain) Grant that helps businesses invest in their people without carrying the full financial burden. This program offers up to $3,000 in funding to cover employee training, certifications, and professional development.

At Keep Smart Books Academy, we are passionate about equipping individuals with real, practical bookkeeping and financial skills that immediately impact your business. Our programs are designed to help team members grow into higher-level roles, increase confidence in financial decision-making, and strengthen the overall financial health of your company.

Imagine taking someone on your team, whether they’re new, growing, or ready for the next step, and giving them the tools to truly understand your numbers. Not only does this build internal capacity, but it also increases retention, engagement, and long-term success. And with grant funding available, this becomes an even smarter investment for your business.

If you’ve been thinking about developing your team, filling skill gaps, or building a stronger financial foundation internally, this is your sign. Pairing the LIGHTR grant with a Keep Smart Books Academy training program is a powerful way to grow your business from the inside out.

Let us know if you’d like to explore options, we’d love to help you take advantage of this opportunity 📚

KSBA: https://www.keepsmartbooksacademy.com/
GRANT APPLICATION: https://www.larimer.gov/ewd/local-industry-grant-hire-train-retain-lightr?fbclid=IwY2xjawRGKdBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe3s3_5vZvfzLN7LuoSnDjA2qqwlqQ6tYkZUCPRDlrUfc1Ka9SliCNhtguW14_aem_jjCpfjDPYiEuOMTCd-ZocA

At KSB we don't just learn bookkeeping together - we get to know each other. We care about each individual, their story, their path. Ask me about the KSBA difference. 💐🪷

We believe career training should open doors, not create financial barriers. If you are interested in building practical skills in bookkeeping or accounting but are concerned about tuition costs, we’re excited to fill you in on an amazing scholarship opportunity offered by our community partner, Loveland Philo.

Eligible students may receive up to $5,000 toward tuition for the 2026–2027 academic year. Scholarship recipients are selected directly by Philo based on eligibility, motivation, and demonstrated financial need.

To qualify, applicants must:
• Reside within the geographic Thompson R2-J School District
• Be accepted into an accredited technical, vocational, associate, or certificate program (two years or less) for 2026–2027*
• Demonstrate strong motivation to complete their training
• Show financial need for tuition assistance

While the scholarship is not limited exclusively to bookkeeping students, we strongly encourage prospective Academy students who need financial support to apply.

Visit https://www.philoloveland.org/philo-scholarships to learn more or to apply. The deadline to submit applications is March 1, 2026.

Interested in learning more about Keep Smart Books Academy? Take a peek inside our courses at https://www.keepsmartbooksacademy.com/

*We understand if your enrollment at KSBA would be contingent on receiving scholarship funding – we encourage you to still enroll for scholarship eligibility. There is no commitment to move forward with attending courses if your scholarship application is not chosen and now is not the right time to invest.

That’s a wrap on our Fall 110 Intro to Bookkeeping and Payroll course!

This semester was awesome — full of learning, laughter, and lightbulb moments as students built real-world skills they can take straight into their businesses or bookkeeping careers.

A huge congratulations to everyone who showed up, did the work, and leaned into learning. We’re so proud of how far you’ve come! 🎉

We’re all about teamwork at Keep Smart Books Academy 💚
A big thank-you to Vanessa for jumping in to teach a few classes of Course 110, your support and knowledge helps our students keep learning and growing!

Last week, Becky represented Keep Smart Books Academy at the Northern Colorado Workforce Symposium — a packed event all about leadership, innovation, and building a stronger workforce here in NoCo. 💪

At Keep Smart Books Academy, our mission is to equip learners with the skills and confidence to thrive in the real world. Events like this help us stay connected to what employers, communities, and learners truly need.

We loved getting the word out about KSBA and connecting with so many inspiring professionals! 🙌

Week one is in the books! Our Course 110: Introduction to Bookkeeping & Payroll just got started at Keep Smart Books Academy, and we’re loving the energy in the class. 🎉

Join us for Course 410: Intro to Nonprofit Organizations & Bookkeeping Procedures and build the skills every nonprofit leader, board member, and bookkeeper needs:
✅ Understand nonprofit structure & compliance
✅ Master budgeting and grant tracking
✅ Learn income & expense recognition
✅ Know when you need an audit vs. a review
📅 September 9 & 11 | 9am–4pm
Learn more online at: https://www.keepsmartbooksacademy.com/course/course-410-intro-to-non-profit-organizations-and-non-profit-bookkeeping-procedures/

At 67, Barb enrolled in our Bookkeeping Course to stay mentally engaged and continue growing professionally. With her small business background, she wanted more than just surface-level skills—she wanted confidence in understanding financial health and practical tools to create a better work-life balance.

Whether you're fresh out of school or decades into your career, Keep Smart Books Academy is here to help you grow smarter, stronger, and more financially confident. 💡

📚 Ready to take the next step? Learn more: www.keepsmartbooksacademy.com

Thinking about a career in bookkeeping or payroll? Want to confidently manage your small business finances?

📚 Course 110: Intro to Bookkeeping & Payroll is the perfect starting point. This foundational course is designed for beginners and taught by real-world professionals.

👉 Get all the details and enroll here:
https://www.keepsmartbooksacademy.com/course/course-110-intro-to-bookkeeping-and-payroll/