Michigan employers looking to take advantage of the Going PRO Talent Fund program are now able to apply for a share of $50 million in competitive training funds available. The FY23 application period is open through 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9.

The Going PRO Talent Fund helps individuals secure employment, industry-recognized credentials and strong wages by providing training grants to Michigan businesses to support employees in high-demand, skilled trades industries. Training must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and industry recognized. 

Applications are submitted by Michigan Works! West Central for employers in Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties. Customized/classroom training can apply for up to $2,000 per individual, or $3,500 for USDOL Registered Apprentices. Incentives for Targeted Populations, including Veterans, Active Military Reservists, Older Workers, Returning Citizens, Individuals with Disabilities, Public Assistance Recipients and High School Diploma/Equivalency, are available.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) grants the funds to employers through Michigan Works! Agencies. Locally, Michigan Works! West Central’s Business Services team is ready to work with employers to assess their talent skill gaps, identify training needs and assist in finding suitable training providers. Michigan Works! West Central’s Business Services staff will work with employers to submit applications to LEO for approval.

Since the program began, 50 percent of the awards statewide have gone to companies with less than 100 employees and approximately 38 percent to companies with 500 or less. And since its inception in 2014, Michigan Works! West Central has helped secure more than $3.5 million more than 50 different companies (135 total awards) in our six-county service area! That equates to the training of more than 3,300 workers, including funding for 88 USDOL registered apprenticeships! 

For a list of companies and trainings that have been approved in our region, click here.

To take advantage of this grant and to apply, please contact our Business Services team today!

• Mason & Oceana counties – Julie Sanders (231) 287-1956 or jsanders@mwwc.org
• Lake & Osceola counties – Mark Buss (231) 679-8785 or mbuss@mwwc.org
• Mecosta & Newaygo counties – Chad Marr (231) 679-8746 or cmarr@mwwc.org