Michigan Works! announced applications open today, October 14 for the popular Going PRO Talent Fund. This competitive grant opportunity provides funds to local companies for training, developing, and in some cases retaining employees.
With technology changing by the day, new equipment and machinery launching across the country and beyond, and more complex systems to work around- it’s important to ensure southwest Michigan businesses remain competitive. This grant funding opportunity will allow employers to do just that. Whether it’s building the skills of your workforce, improving your culture, or retaining your people, Michigan Works! wants to help your team win.
“Going PRO continues to be a game changer for our local employers,” said Mark O’Reilly, Director of Business Solutions at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren. “Investing in training dollars is not just about workforce development- it’s about economic growth. When employers have access to the resources they need to upskill their teams, they build stronger businesses, more resilient communities, and a more competitive economy.”
Going PRO allows employers to apply for funds to train new and existing employees. The types of training programs eligible for funding include classroom training, which prepares individuals with the skill set required to meet the employer’s needs and diversify the skill sets of current employees. Employers can also receive onsite job training reimbursement for wages paid while training a new employee on a new process. Apprenticeships are also supported through Going PRO funds.
O’Reilly encourages employers in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren counties to reach out to his team for assistance.
“Our team will help you through every step of the process. If you’re eligible, we will work closely with you to determine training that would fit your company needs and complete your application. If you’re on the fence about it, reach out and we can talk about your training and hiring plans. If Going PRO is not a fit for you, we provide many other services that can help your company grow,” he added.
In the last two cycles of Going PRO funding, Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren helped secure nearly $5M in competitive grants from the State of Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund to help 81 local employers enhance their workforce. In 2024, the team secured a total of $4.6M to help 69 local employers.
The Going PRO Talent Fund grant applications will be open from Tuesday, October 14 through October 30 at 5:00 PM. Employers are encouraged to reach out to:
- Berrien County: Michael Mompremier at MompremierM@miworks.org
- Cass and Van Buren Counties: Jennifer Leich at LeichJ@miworks.org
For more information about Going PRO, visit Michigan.gov or MiWorks.org/Training-Funds.
