Michigan Works helping businesses apply for Going PRO grants

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Michigan Works has announced round two of two application periods is now open for the Going PRO Talent Fund. It’s a state grant program that provides employers with funds to train their workers. Berrien County Business Solutions Manager Michael Mompremier tells us Michigan Works last year helped secure $2.5 million in Going Pro funds for local businesses.

“I would say hundreds of employees we’ve been able to assist,” Mompremier said. “Just last year in the first round of Going Pro for 2023 alone, it was just shy of 100 employees, from different sectors and industries ranging from hospitality to manufacturing to healthcare.”

Going PRO allows employers to apply for funds to train both new and existing employees, and the dollars can be used for classroom training as well as onsite job training reimbursement for wages paid while training a new employee on a new process.

“There’s increased employee retention as well as increased employee productivity because they’re getting additional skills to make them more productive in whatever role they may currently have.”

Mompremier says Going Pro can also be used for apprenticeships. A business seeking the support just needs to reach out to Michigan Works and the organization will help them through the application process. Grant applications will be taken through May 24.