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.
Since it began, the Going PRO Talent Fund has provided training for more than 121,000 Michigan workers, supporting the needs of more than 40,000 business, upskilling the workforce and contributing to the state’s Sixty by 30 educational attainment goal.
Going PRO Talent Fund provides grants to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. 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. New this year is a focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion focused on providing grants for minority-owned, women-owned, Veteran-owned, Individual With A Disability (IWD) owned or a Geographically-Disadvantaged Business.
Going PRO Talent Fund grants are awarded to employers through the Michigan Works! network (MWAs). Participating employers play an integral role in defining their key training needs, then work with the local MWAs and other partners to develop an appropriate, realistic training plan.
Among other responsibilities, employers are expected to provide financial or in-kind contributions in support of the training project, as well as use Pure Michigan Talent Connect and MWAs to recruit for job openings.
Businesses interested in learning more or applying for funding should contact their local Michigan Works! Service Center. Contact information can be found at MichiganWorks.org.
The application period ends Thursday, October 28 at 5 p.m., and selected applicants will be announced in December 2021.
To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.