The application period for the semi-annual Going PRO Talent Fund is now open. If your business would like to apply for training funding assistance, contact the Business Services team at Michigan Works! West Central to submit a successful application.

Businesses can apply for up to $2,000 per employee in training reimbursement, and up to $3,500 per USDOL registered apprentice during the fall application period. The Talent Fund also holds a second application period each spring. 

The current application period is open now through 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18. An estimated $45 million is expected to be awarded through the Cycle 1 fall grant round. The Business Services team at Michigan Works! West Central is ready to help your business put together a comprehensive application to up-skill your employees. 

“When employers invest in their employees through the Going PRO Talent Fund, it increases employee retention, builds a stronger economy and helps businesses throughout our region train the talent they need to stay competitive,” said Shelly Keene, Executive Director at Michigan Works! West Central. “Our Businesses Services team works diligently with employers to file applications each cycle to request these competitive and critical training funds. They are ready to help your company complete the necessary paperwork to submit a successful application.”

Since Going PRO Talent Fund (previously known as the Skilled Trades Training Fund) began in 2014, Michigan Works! West Central has helped secure more than $4.9 million for training at 62 local employers. These funds have been used to upskill more than 5,600 workers, including 184 USDOL registered apprentices.

Statewide, more than 7,500 businesses have received funds through the program since 2014, training more than 200,000 individuals. The Going PRO Talent Fund also aligns with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 initiative to increase the number of working-age adults with a skills certificate or college degree to 60 percent by 2030.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund is a great tool to help businesses develop their existing and future workforce,” Keene said. “When employers invest in their teams through programs like this, it improves their skillsets, increases retention and moves Michigan forward. I encourage every business to reach out to our Business Services team to see if they are eligible for these critical training funds.”

Employers interested in submitting an application during the FY25 Cycle I Going PRO Talent Fund application period, should reach out to the Business Services team at Michigan Works! West Central at MWWC.org/GoingPRO. This is a competitive grant process, so reach out today!