
Michigan Works Berrien, Cass, Van Buren is now taking applications from employers for the next round of Going PRO Talent Fund grants.
The Going PRO Talent Fund offers grants to train employees, helping businesses across the state retain talent and improve the skills of staff. Michigan Works Business Solutions Manager Jenny Leich tells us the organization last year secured nearly $5 million in grants for 81 Southwest Michigan employers. In 2024, the team secured a total of $4.6 million for 69 employers.
The grants can support training in the classroom, on the jobsite, or online. It all varies depending on the industry.
“We work with all sorts of types of employers, so from health care to manufacturing and even in hospitality,” Leich said.
The new state budget has cut Going PRO Talent Fund support by $22 million, down to $33 million. Leich says that doesn’t mean there isn’t still a lot of help available.
“The scoring is pretty much the exact same that it had been in the last two rounds. So there has been a slight decrease in funding, so it may be a little more competitive, but with our team at Michigan Works, we’re pretty skilled.”
The current application window will remain open through October 30. Leich urges any business owners looking for support to get employees trained to contact Michigan Works now.
For more information about Going PRO, visit Michigan.gov or MiWorks.org/Training-Funds.