Advocacy News – Nov. 16, 2022
Mark your calendars! Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund, a competitive state grant program that assists businesses with upskilling and training their current and newly hired workforce, opens up its applications period Monday, Nov. 21.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) will reimburse employers – through awards facilitated by Michigan Works! Associations across the state – between $2,000 and $3,500 per individual (depending on employment type) to assist employers in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training funded by the Talent Fund must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry.
To be eligible for reimbursement through this fund, employers must be within the private sector and fulfill the following criteria:
- A need for skill enhancement, such as apprenticeship programs and advanced-tech training programs for current or new employee(s);
- A physical presence in Michigan;
- Good standing will all state tax obligations, including, but not limited to, corporate, sales, use, withholding, personal income and unemployment insurance taxes; and
- Willingness to participate under the program’s eligibility parameters and guidelines.
The application period will open Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, and is slated to close at noon Dec. 12, 2022.
Key resources and contacts:
- LEO’s website for the Going Pro Talent Fund
- Going Pro Talent Fund Program Overview
- Going Pro Talent Fund Fact Sheet
- Going Pro Talent Fund Frequently Asked Questions
- LEO contact information for questions: LEO-TalentFund@Michigan.gov.
- Finding Your Local Michigan Works! Agency
- MI Chamber and Michigan Works! Association Webinar
- MI Chamber Article Top Things Employers Need to Know
Developing and expanding this fund has been a top MI Chamber priority given the overwhelming demand for such programs and the ongoing talent strain facing Michigan businesses of all sizes and types.
For questions or more information, please contact Leah Robinson at lrobinson@michamber.com.