Applications for Going PRO Talent Fund grants to assist employers in training, development and retaining newly hired and current employees are now open, the Michigan Works! Association announced today.
The Going PRO Talent Fund is a competitive grant available to Michigan-based companies to provide funding to support upskilling employees or training new employees. Training funded must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer. The training also must lead to a credential that is transferable and recognized by industry.
“The Going PRO Talent Fund has helped 170,000 Michiganders gain new skills to excel in their careers,” said Ryan Hundt, Michigan Works! Association CEO. “The Michigan Works! network is proud to partner with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to bring these grants to employers across the state.”
The online application for Cycle 2 is open until May 24 for trainings that may occur between July 17, 2023 and July 16, 2024. Employers who applied during Cycle 1 can apply again for this cycle of grant funds if they were not awarded, which is a change from previous years.
The first round of funding for this fiscal year provided $47 million to businesses across the state. During this cycle, $12.4 million in grants will be available to apply for.
“The second application cycle allows the state to continue supporting Michigan businesses,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment and Training. “There’s also a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring all Michiganders – especially those who were traditionally left behind – have a chance to gain postsecondary credentials.”
Since Going PRO launched in 2014, more than 6,000 businesses have received funding to support the training of roughly 170,000 workers across many industries. Michigan Works! agencies are proud to work with employers to help support their talent needs. Interested employers should contact their local Michigan Works! agency with questions and to begin the application process.
