State Training Grants

Fund Your Training with a State Training Grant

State training grants are financial assistance programs state governments provide to support workforce development, skills training, and education initiatives. These grants aim to help individuals gain the skills and qualifications needed for in-demand jobs, improve workforce productivity, and support employers in training their employees. They often target specific industries, populations, or regions to address local workforce needs.

Key Features of State Training Grants

Purpose: They focus on enhancing employability, addressing skills gaps, and supporting economic growth by aligning training with labor market demands.
Eligibility:
- Employers: Grants support businesses that invest in employee training programs.
Funding Uses:
- Tuition assistance for individuals attending approved training programs.
Targeted Areas:
- High-growth industries (e.g., healthcare, technology, manufacturing).
- Specific groups, such as veterans, youth, or individuals with disabilities.
- Regions with high unemployment or economic challenges.

How to Access

Application Process: Individuals or organizations typically apply through the state’s labor department, workforce development agency, or specific grant programs. Click on your state in the list below to be taken to the grants in your state.
Requirements: Applications usually require detailed information about training plans, outcomes, and alignment with state workforce priorities.

These grants are a critical tool for states to build a competitive and skilled workforce while supporting economic development initiatives.

Alabama

Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP): Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, this program provides funding for customized training that helps maintain a company’s competitiveness. It covers training fees, tuition, curriculum development, and books/materials. Companies choose the training provider that best fits their needs. Alabama Department of Commerce/Workforce Development Division.

Alaska

No grants are currently available.

Arizona

Arizona Job Training Program: This job-specific reimbursable grant program supports customized training for employers. It offers up to $1.3 million in grants per employer to enhance workforce skills. Moss Adams.

Incumbent Worker Training Program: This program provides funding to help current employees obtain the skills necessary to retain employment. Local workforce development boards carry it out in collaboration with employers. Arizona@Work and Arizona Commerce Authority.

Arkansas

Office of Skills Development (OSD) Training Grants

Supports customized employee training and workforce development for Arkansas businesses.
Includes categories like Grow Our Own (for small businesses), Customized Technical Training, Professional Development, and Skills Gap Training.
Maximum funding levels vary by category (up to 75% for some technical training).
OSD invests directly in workforce skills that benefit employers, including manufacturing‑related training programs. Arkansas OSD+1

HIRED Grant Program (Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development)

A statewide workforce grant program established under the Workforce Initiative Act of 2015.
Provides significant funding (tens of millions of dollars) for industry‑driven workforce training programs that prepare workers for in‑demand sectors, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, steel, and more.
Grants are awarded through competitive Tracks (e.g., planning and implementation) administered jointly by the Arkansas Department of Commerce and the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.
Many training partnerships (at institutions like Arkansas State University System campuses and the University of Arkansas‑Fort Smith) have received HIRED grant awards to expand manufacturing and technical workforce training. Arkansas Department of Commerce+2Arkansas Department of Higher Education+2

Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship

A state scholarship (funded by lottery revenues) that provides up to $800 toward workforce training in high‑demand fields, including industry (which encompasses manufacturing and related technical programs).
Applicable for short‑term and non‑credit workforce training, certificates, or industry‑aligned programs. ADHE Scholarship System

Apprenticeship Expansion via Arkansas Workforce Connections / OSD

With the state now designated as a State Apprenticeship Agency, Arkansas has increased its capacity to support the expansion of registered apprenticeship across sectors such as manufacturing.
This includes using workforce grants and training funds to support apprenticeships and related training pipelines. Arkansas Department of Commerce

WIOA‑Related Training Services

While federally funded and delivered locally, Arkansas’s implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) supports occupational skills training, on‑the‑job training, incumbent worker training, and registered apprenticeship training that employers (including manufacturers) can leverage for workforce development. Arkansas Workforce Services

California

Employment Training Panel (ETP) Grants: The ETP provides funding to employers to assist in upgrading the skills of their workers through training; it is a performance-based reimbursement program, which means businesses receive funding after training expenses are incurred. The program supports various training categories, including manufacturing skills, and applies to new and incumbent workers. Employment Training Panel and California Incentives Group.

Colorado

Custom Training Grants by Manufacturer’s Edge: This program offers Skill Advance Training Grants to new and incumbent workers to enhance workforce capabilities. It focuses on providing targeted training like Lean Training, Cybersecurity Awareness, and Six Sigma Yellow Belt, among others. These grants are ideal for small companies, particularly those with 25 employees or fewer, offering up to $3,800 per employee per year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis every fiscal year from July through March. Manufacturer’s Edge.

Opportunity Now Colorado: This recent initiative by the Colorado government focuses on regional collaborations to enhance talent development and connect workers with in-demand jobs. It supports workforce training through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and other education forms. This program addresses regional workforce shortages and supports long-term collaborations between industry and educational institutions. Colorado.gov.

Connecticut

Manufacturing Assistance Act (MAA) Training Grants: Offered through the Connecticut Department of Labor, this program covers 50% of training project costs for significant changes such as new technologies or equipment. Training can include lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and updating ISO 9000 standards. Businesses classified under specific manufacturing NAICS codes are eligible, with priority given to high-performance work organizations. Minimal paperwork is required, and support is available from a Department of Labor Business Consultant. Carla Rae Rodriguez, Grants and Contracts Manager, Contact: 860-500-2409, Email: CarlaRaeRodriguez@ct.gov.

Incumbent Worker Training Program: This program, administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, offers matching grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 annually to train existing employees in new skills. Eligible training includes industry-specific technical or technological skills and basic communication and mathematics skills. The program is aimed at Connecticut-based manufacturers with fewer than 2,000 employees. Carla Rae Rodriguez, Grants and Contracts Manager, Contact: 860-500-2409, Email: CarlaRaeRodriguez@ct.gov.

Delaware

Workforce Training Grants: The Delaware Division of Small Business provides these grants to help fund customized training for eligible Delaware entities. The goal is to create job advancement opportunities by enhancing skills, knowledge, and capabilities. These grants require a business match and cover various types of training, including for new hires or existing employees, to meet changing job requirements. Delaware Division of Small Business.

Florida

Quick Response Training (QRT) Grant: This grant is designed for new or expanding businesses in Florida and supports customized training for new, full-time, permanent employees. It’s particularly suitable for high-skill industries and provides flexibility regarding training types and providers. CareerSource Florida.

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) Grant: Aiming to help existing full-time employees at Florida companies, this program reimburses up to 75% of pre-approved training costs. It is targeted at small businesses and focuses on enhancing the competitiveness and productivity of the workforce. The grant covers a wide range of training types provided by various approved training providers. Like the QRT, the application process for the IWT is managed online through CareerSource Florida, with detailed guidelines available on their site. CareerSource Florida.

Georgia

No grants are currently available.

Hawaii

No grants are currently available.

Idaho

Industry Sector Grants: These grants are designed to address workforce issues and fill skills gaps by engaging employers in developing new training solutions. The grants are awarded on a non-competitive, first-come, first-served basis. Applications for these grants are accepted periodically throughout the year, with specific deadlines for each round of review.

Workforce Development Training Fund: This fund offers grants to reimburse approved training costs to eligible applicants creating jobs in Idaho, including structured internal training costs such as instructor wages, reasonable travel expenses, and training materials. Businesses and educational institutions can apply for these grants. Idaho WDC.

Illinois

Businesses in the manufacturing sector looking to train their employees can use the Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP). This program, administered by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) with support from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), offers reimbursement for up to 50% of eligible training expenses. The ETIP is designed to help Illinois workers keep pace with new technologies and business practices, ultimately helping businesses increase productivity, reduce costs, improve quality, and boost competitiveness.

Eligible training under the ETIP includes activities necessary to respond to changing processes, improve systems in the workplace, and training related to regulatory compliance. However, the program does not cover travel expenses, training program development, or non-structured on-the-job training. Applications for the ETIP can be submitted at any time with specific deadlines throughout the year for reimbursement processing. IMA ETIP.

Indiana

Employer Training Grant (ETG): Part of the Next Level Jobs initiative, this program reimburses employers who train, hire, and retain workers in high-demand positions. The grant offers up to $5,000 per employee, with a maximum of $50,000 per employer. It focuses on several sectors, including advanced manufacturing. Next Level Jobs.

Manufacturing Readiness Grant: Administered by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) in partnership with Conexus Indiana, this grant supports projects incorporating smart technologies and manufacturing processes. The goal is to modernize Indiana’s manufacturing capabilities, benefiting small and medium-sized businesses. The program has been crucial in helping local manufacturers upgrade their operations with advanced technologies. Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC).

Iowa

No grants are currently available.

Kansas

Kansas Industrial Training (KIT) Program: This program assists firms in creating new jobs by providing training that imparts specific skills necessary for job entry. It covers a range of eligible expenses, including instructor salaries, curriculum development, and training materials. Kansas Department of Commerce.

Kansas Industrial Retraining (KIR) Program: KIR is designed for businesses that are restructuring and need to retrain their existing workforce. It supports training related to incorporating new technology, diversification of production, or developing new production capabilities. Kansas Department of Commerce.

Kansas Training and Retention Aligned with Industry Need (KTRAIN) Program: Recently rebranded from the Workforce Aligned with Industry Demand program, KTRAIN reimburses up to 50% of the costs for delivering approved customized training and education that provide critical skills to new and current employees in high-demand, high-wage positions. Kansas Department of Commerce.

Kentucky

Bluegrass State Skills Corporation (BSSC): This program offers financial assistance to Kentucky businesses to support occupational and skills upgrade training through two main initiatives:

Grant-in-Aid (GIA): Provides cash reimbursements for eligible training expenses for new and existing employees.
Skills Training Investment Credit (STIC): Offers state income tax credits to offset costs for approved training programs. These initiatives are designed to keep Kentucky’s workforce competitive and prepared to meet employer demands in a global economy. Kentucky Skills Network.

Louisiana

Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP): This program is facilitated by the Louisiana Workforce Commission and offers grant funding to help employers enhance the skills of their current workforce. It targets improving employee productivity and company growth. Employers who have contributed to the state’s Unemployment Insurance System for at least three years and have at least 15 employees eligible for training can apply. Consortia of employers can also apply to meet the employee number requirement. Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP).

Small Business Employee Training (SBET): Also managed by the Louisiana Workforce Commission, SBET assists small businesses with fewer than 50 employees in skill development. The program reimburses businesses for the cost of training after completion, with funding provided through the Workforce Development Training Account. This grant is particularly designed for individualized, standardized training and can cover up to $3,000 per trainee per state fiscal year. Small Business Employee Training (SBET).

Customized Training: This aspect of the IWTP supports tailored training needs specific to the company’s requirements, funded by a portion of Unemployment Insurance tax contributions. This program aims to create new jobs, retain existing ones, and increase trained employees’ wages. Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP).

Maine

No grants are currently available.

Maryland

Partnership for Workforce Quality (PWQ): This program offers matching training grants to help Maryland-based manufacturing and technology companies improve the competitiveness of their workforce. The grants can cover up to 50% of the costs of training existing workers in new technologies and production processes. Eligibility requires having a minimum of ten full-time employees, and priority is given to small and minority-owned businesses. Maryland Department of Commerce.

Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 (M4) Grant Program: This program supports small to mid-sized manufacturers adopting Industry 4.0 technologies such as robotics, digital practices, and advanced manufacturing tools. Grants can cover a significant portion of project costs, ranging from 50% to 75%, depending on the size of the business, with a minimum grant of $25,000 and a maximum of $500,000. To be eligible, companies must have between 3 and 250 employees, be in good standing with the state, and demonstrate a commitment to Industry 4.0 adoption. The application process involves detailed proposals highlighting the project’s relevance to Industry 4.0 and its expected impact on the company. Maryland Department of Commerce.

Massachusetts

Workforce Training Fund Programs (WTFP): This includes two main pathways for funding:

Express Program: This program offers quick access to grant-funded training for Massachusetts businesses, helping them respond quickly to emerging needs.

General Program: Provides larger grants for more comprehensive customized training programs using the training providers of the company’s choice. Commonwealth Corporation.

Advanced Manufacturing Training Grant Program: Managed by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing at MassTech, this program supports organizations that can develop and scale advanced manufacturing training programs. It aims to seed, enhance, or support training programs that address critical skills and talent supply gaps facing the state’s manufacturing industry. Proposals can receive grants not to exceed $600,000 to address employer demand for talent. Center for Advanced Manufacturing.

Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerate Program (MMAP): This program co-invests in small to medium-sized manufacturers to help increase their competitiveness, upskill their workforce, and meet the demands of Industry 4.0. The program focuses on incorporating innovation-driven technologies like automation and robotics into production lines. MMAP.

Michigan

The primary grant available to businesses for employee training in manufacturing is the Going PRO Talent Fund. This fund provides competitive awards to help businesses train, develop, and retain current and new employees, focusing on short-term training that addresses specific talent needs. The training supported by this fund must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need, not just general or introductory training.

The Going PRO Talent Fund application process involves collaboration with Michigan Works! Agencies that help employers identify their training needs and connect them with suitable training providers. Employers interested in applying must work with these agencies to submit their applications through a competitive process. The application periods and specific details about the funding are typically announced annually, and employers need to stay informed about these dates to apply promptly. Michigan Works!

Minnesota

Dual Training Grant: The Minnesota Office of Higher Education offers on-the-job training paired with formal instruction, helping employees earn industry credentials in fields like advanced manufacturing. Employers can receive up to $150,000 annually to cover instructional expenses for multiple employees, with an additional $15,000 available for trainee support. Applications are typically available each spring. Minnesota Office of Higher Education.

Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) Grant: Managed by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), this grant helps employers develop and implement training for new and existing employees. The MJSP is designed to respond rapidly to evolving needs and can fund projects that train employees in new technologies or processes crucial for business growth. DEED MJSP.

Workforce Development Grants: DEED also administers these grants, which target sectors like manufacturing to ensure that businesses can meet current and future workforce needs. The grants can be used to offset various training-related expenses.

Mississippi

No grants are currently available.

Missouri

Missouri Workforce Training Grant Program: This competitive grant program aims to upskill underemployed and unemployed workers and expand customized recruitment assistance to employers. The program does not require a local cost match but prioritizes projects with a matching contribution of at least 25%. Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Montana

Primary Sector Workforce Training Grant Program: This program provides grants to primary sector businesses, including manufacturers, to support training for new jobs created in Montana. The grants are designed to help businesses meet the costs of training new employees. The maximum grant award is up to $5,000 for each new full-time job and $2,500 for each new part-time job. However, applications are not accepted as the program cycle has closed. Montana Department of Commerce.

ARPA Workforce Training Grant: Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, this program offers up to $3,000 per eligible employee to reimburse businesses for training costs for new and existing full-time workers. The grant aims to help businesses demonstrate increased revenue, capacity, and/or production/manufacturing due to the training process. ARPA grant.

Nebraska

Worker Training Grant Program: This program supports the retraining and upgrading existing workers and training new employees for expanding businesses. The grants can be used for various training-related expenses such as course fees, training materials, and provider costs. Applications should include detailed information about the training goals, provider, syllabi, and expected outcomes, and they can be submitted online through the state’s grant portal. Worker Training Grant Program.

Customized Job Training (CJT) Program: Administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the CJT program assists businesses in creating or retaining quality jobs by providing grants for employee training. The training can include on-the-job training, classroom training, tuition, and other reasonable costs associated with upskilling employees. Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

Nevada

Nevadaworks Incumbent Worker Training Grant: This grant, provided by the State of Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation in partnership with Nevadaworks, supports the training of current employees in high-demand occupations, including manufacturing. The grant focuses on upgrading skills through education and training opportunities, thus enhancing employers’ competitiveness by subsidizing the costs associated with upskilling their workforce. Nevadaworks.

Workforce Innovations for A New Nevada (WINN): Administered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, WINN is a key program that provides training support to businesses to develop a skilled workforce. This program focuses on various development needs, including advanced manufacturing. GOED.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Job Training Fund: Supported by the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, this fund enhances occupational and transferable skills across the state’s economy, including manufacturing. It allows employers to tap new technologies, open new markets, and increase efficiency through value-added training. This fund provides $2 million annually and requires a 50% employer match. Job Training Fund.

New Jersey

UPSKILL: NJ Incumbent Worker Training Grant: This program provides up to 50% reimbursement assistance for New Jersey-based employers to train incumbent frontline employees. The focus is meeting current and future occupational skill requirements in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and technology sectors. This competitive funding opportunity aims to help employers enhance the skills of their workforce, thus increasing productivity and competitiveness. New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL).

Manufacturing Training Grants via NJMEP: The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) supports accessing various training grants. These grants also aim at manufacturers and can cover expenses such as LEAN manufacturing training, ISO certification, or leadership development. NJMEP assists in the application process to ensure success. NJMEP website.

New Mexico

Businesses in the manufacturing sector looking to support employee training can use the Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP). This program is designed to fund classroom and on-the-job training for newly created jobs in expanding or relocating businesses in New Mexico. JTIP can reimburse 50-90% of employee wages and also covers custom training at public educational institutions in the state. New Mexico Economic Development Department.

New York

No grants are currently available.

North Carolina

Incumbent Worker Training Program: This program helps businesses cover training costs for employees who have been with the company for at least six months. It supports training that increases skill levels, enabling employees to advance and creating opportunities for hiring less skilled or experienced workers. For more information and to apply, businesses should contact the Workforce Development Board Business Services Representative in their area. NC Commerce.

North Dakota

Businesses in manufacturing and other sectors can apply for the Technical Skills Training Grant to help develop skilled workers in high-demand occupations. This grant can offset the costs for program providers and employers to support training that leads to new jobs or enhances the skills of current employees. The grant is awarded through a competitive application process, and eligible programs can receive significant funding, depending on the training project’s specific track and scope. North Dakota Department of Commerce.

Ohio

JobsOhio Workforce Grant: This program supports projects that enhance operational efficiency or expand production while retaining jobs. It covers various training costs, including information technology, maintenance, leadership development, product knowledge, quality management, and technical training. JobsOhio Workforce Grant.

Oklahoma

Manufacturing Reboot Program: This initiative assists Oklahoma manufacturers as they retool to develop new products or expand current capabilities. The program offers financial support ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, depending on the production capabilities’ market potential and economic impact. Eligibility includes manufacturing companies in NAICS codes 311111-339999, with a priority for companies producing products for the healthcare industry. Although the application period for this cycle has closed, it is advisable to keep an eye on updates from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for future opportunities. Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Oklahoma Industry Expansion Program (OIEP) and other incentive programs: Managed by the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, these programs provide various incentives such as tax credits, grants, and workforce training support. They help offset costs associated with expanding operations, upgrading equipment, hiring skilled labor, and accessing new markets. The Alliance guides navigating and maximizing these incentives, tailored to businesses’ needs and growth objectives. Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance.

Oregon

The Future Ready Oregon program offers substantial grant funding for workforce training in high-demand industries, including manufacturing. This initiative is part of the state legislature’s $200 million investment to enhance Oregon’s workforce system by increasing opportunities for historically underserved communities and connecting businesses with a skilled workforce. The program grants projects from community-based organizations, such as community colleges, focusing on key sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Future Ready Oregon.

Pennsylvania

WEDnetPA: This program funds eligible businesses for various training activities. WEDnetPA allows companies to tailor their training needs and choose from various training providers, offering flexibility in how and where training is delivered. It supports in-state businesses and those relocating to Pennsylvania, enhancing competitiveness by providing a cost-effective training solution. Applications for WEDnetPA can be submitted online, with the program allowing for reimbursement of eligible training costs once training is completed. WEDnetPA website.

Rhode Island

Incumbent Worker Training Grant Program: This program, administered by the Governor’s Workforce Board at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, offers a 50% or 75% reimbursement for eligible training activities. It’s designed to help businesses remain competitive and assist workers in advancing their careers by supporting continuing education and upskilling. All Rhode Island employers who meet the eligibility requirements can apply. The program is temporarily closed but will reopen on December 2, 2024, for the 2025 training activities. Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

South Carolina

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) Program: Offered through SC Works, this program helps businesses update and improve the skills of their current workforce in response to changing technology, retooling, or new product lines. It aims to enhance productivity and competitiveness. SC Works.

Catalyst Grant: Administered by South Carolina Business Development, this grant supports the adoption of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) and the implementation of Quality Management Systems and Lean Manufacturing tools. The program targets small and medium-sized manufacturers within the Department of Defense supply chain and requires a physical operation in South Carolina for at least a year. Catalyst Grant.

Trident Workforce Incumbent Worker Training Program: This grant enables eligible employers to upgrade their workforce’s skills through reimbursable training services. The Trident Workforce Development Board manages it and supports training that improves the competitiveness of both the employer and the employee. Trident Workforce.

South Dakota

Workforce Development Program: This program, facilitated by South Dakota’s Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), provides funding to help businesses train new and existing employees who need additional skills due to company growth. The program can fund up to 50% of eligible training expenses, with funds awarded on a reimbursement basis. South Dakota GOED.

Future Fund: This fund invests in workforce development and technical assistance programs that help train employees, retrain employees during layoffs, and support business recruitment and other economic development initiatives. Grant awards are based on various factors, including eligibility, training costs, and job creation. South Dakota GOED Future Fund.

Tennessee

Incumbent Worker Training Grants: The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development manages this competitive grant program. It provides funding to help eligible Tennessee businesses train and retain employees by offering skills upgrades and process improvement training for existing, full-time employees. The program emphasizes training that enhances the company’s competitive position and workforce skills. Tennessee Department of Labor.

FastTrack Job Training Assistance Program: Administered by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, this grant assists new or expanding businesses with the costs of training new full-time employees. It is part of a broader suite of incentives to enhance Tennessee’s economic development by supporting workforce training to meet business needs. FastTrack Job Training Assistance Program.

Texas

Skills Development Fund (SDF): This fund is targeted at businesses that want to train new or upgrade the skills of existing workers. This grant focuses on enhancing the skill levels and wages of the Texas workforce. The application process involves collaborating with an educational institution, and businesses can receive up to $500,000 for customized training needs. Texas Workforce Commission.

Texas Industry Partnership Program: This match grant program supports training for high-demand jobs by leveraging the Workforce Opportunity and Innovation Act (WIOA) funds with industry partner funds. It focuses on advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and information technology sectors. Funds can cover various training-related costs, and applications should be coordinated through the Texas Workforce Commission. Texas Workforce Commission.

Utah

Businesses in the manufacturing sector can apply for the Utah Manufacturing Modernization Grant to support projects that modernize, establish, relocate, retain, or develop manufacturing within the state. This grant, totaling $10 million, aims to enhance manufacturing, increase supply chain resilience, and reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing. Businesses must be registered with the Utah Division of Corporations to be eligible, have a physical location in Utah, and propose a project relevant to the manufacturing industry. Preference is given to projects that have not started, are in the planning phases, or are entering a new phase. Businesses can receive up to $750,000, with larger requests considered case-by-case. Applications for this grant were due by July 13, 2023, but businesses should watch for future opportunities as similar programs may arise. Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity.

Vermont

Businesses in the manufacturing sector can apply for training grants through the Vermont Training Program (VTP). The VTP provides performance-based workforce grants for various types of training, including pre-employment training, training for new hires, and training for incumbent workers. The program can cover up to 50% of the training costs and is designed to help employers prepare their workforce for future job demands.

The VTP supports various industries, prioritizing sectors defined in the Vermont 2020 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and businesses interested in applying can contact the VTP staff for more detailed guidance and to initiate their application. Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development.

Virginia

Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP): This program supports companies creating new jobs or implementing technological changes. It provides services and funding for new and expanding companies to reduce human resource development costs. VJIP assists with recruitment and training, helping businesses evaluate training needs and connect with local education providers. Companies must derive at least 51% of their revenue from outside Virginia to be eligible, and other specific conditions apply. Virginia Economic Development Partnership website.

Incumbent Worker Training Grant Program: Local workforce boards manage these funds to support the upskilling of incumbent workers. The amount and availability of funds can vary, with potential reimbursements covering up to 90% of training costs for smaller companies. Employers should contact their local business service team to explore funding opportunities and learn about application procedures.

Washington

Evergreen Manufacturing Growth Grants: Offered by the Washington State Department of Commerce, these grants are designed to increase the number of manufacturing and research and development jobs. The program provides between $200,000 and $400,000 in funding to eligible manufacturing businesses and innovation clusters to support business expansion and innovative development work. Applications are encouraged from businesses operational in Washington State for the past three years, with at least three full-time employees. Washington State Department of Commerce.

WorkForce Central Employee Training Grants: This grant targets manufacturers in Pierce County and supports developing training programs that enhance skills, promote employee growth, and strengthen competitiveness. The grants provide up to $50,000 to help businesses implement these programs. WorkForce Central’s website.

West Virginia

Worker Training Grants: Administered by WorkForce West Virginia as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), these grants are available to employers looking to enhance the skills of their workforce. The grants support various training initiatives to improve technical skills, leadership capabilities, and adaptability to industry demands. WorkForce West Virginia website.

Wisconsin

Businesses looking to enhance their workforce capabilities, particularly in manufacturing, can benefit from the Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) Grants. This program supports various industry sectors by reimbursing the costs associated with customized training for unemployed, underemployed, and existing workers to meet local needs. Awards can range from $5,000 to $400,000 per grantee. For consortiums or partnerships, the grant amount can exceed $400,000. Grantees must provide a cash or in-kind contribution equal to 50% of the grant amount to meet the matching requirement. Open to public agencies, private organizations in all industry sectors, tribal governing bodies, and coalitions or partnerships. There are specific deadlines for application submissions, which are periodically announced. Wisconsin Fast Forward

Wyoming

Business Training Grants: Offered by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, these grants aim to correct or upgrade employees’ skills within their current occupations. Businesses can receive up to $2,000 per trainee per fiscal year or $3,000 for trainees in preferred industries, with a maximum of $75,000 per business per fiscal year. Businesses must demonstrate a direct relationship between the training and the trainee’s occupation to apply, among other criteria. Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.

Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF): This fund provides grants for both Business Training and Internships, helping employers train and upskill employees. As of recent updates, businesses can receive up to $4,000 per trainee per State Fiscal Year and $5,000 for trainees in preferred industries. The total grant amount a business can apply for has been increased to $200,000 per fiscal year. Applications are accepted during the first seven calendar days of each month, and businesses must ensure they are registered and in good standing with relevant state entities before applying. Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.