$12.4 million in grants help Michigan businesses focus on growing talent, employees gain skills and bigger paychecks

Applications for Going PRO Talent Fund open May 1

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan employers looking to take advantage of the Going PRO Talent Fund program will be able to apply for a share of approximately $12.4 million in competitive training awards in the second Going PRO Talent Fund cycle starting Monday, May 1. Going PRO Talent Fund helps ensure employers have the talent they need to grow and stay competitive by providing awards 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 transferable, industry-recognized credential.

Since the program’s launch, Going PRO Talent Fund has provided training for nearly 170,000 Michigan workers and supported the needs of more than 6,000 businesses.

“The training costs covered by Going PRO Talent Fund allows Michigan businesses to upskill their workforce and stay competitive in today’s global economy,” said Susan Corbin, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Director. “These trainings also give our state’s dedicated workforce the skills they need for bigger paychecks and a better future for themselves and their families.”

This year, the application process includes increased transparency for applicants – allowing them to see their scores prior to submitting an application and make adjustments as needed.

“The second application cycle allows the state to continue supporting Michigan businesses,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “There’s also a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring all Michiganders – especially those who were traditionally left behind – have a chance to gain postsecondary credentials.”

Going PRO Talent Fund grants are awarded to employers through the Michigan Works! network. Participating employers play an integral role in defining their key training needs, then work with their local Michigan Works! agency and other partners to develop an appropriate training plan.

“Employers in West Michigan and across the state put a lot of effort into their Going PRO Talent Fund application because they understand the tangible impact this funding has on the hiring, training, development and retention of their employees,” said Jacob Maas, West Michigan Works! chief executive officer. “The second cycle of Going PRO Talent Fund awards provides many more businesses with a chance to bring meaningful workforce development opportunities to their communities.”

Among other responsibilities, employers who apply for Going PRO Talent Funds are expected to participate in the planning and designing of the training project and use Pure Michigan Talent Connect (MiTalent.org) and their local Michigan Works! agency to recruit for job openings.

Businesses interested in learning more or applying for funding should contact their local Michigan Works! Service Center. Contact information may be found at MichiganWorks.org.

The application period for the second award cycle ends Wednesday, May 24 at 5 p.m. EDT, and selected applicants will be announced in July 2023.

To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.

The Going PRO Talent Fund aligns with the governor’s Sixty by 30 program to help 60% of working-age Michiganders achieve a certificate or postsecondary degree by 2030. Find out more at Sixtyby30.org.

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