LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has awarded $25 million in the latest round of Going PRO Talent Fund grants to 449 businesses to support the training of 12,822 Michigan workers, including $1.7 million to 73 businesses in the Lansing region. This regional investment will support the training of 583 new hires and 548 current employees in high-demand, skilled positions.
Including this grant cycle, the Going PRO Talent Fund has awarded $323.4 million to support 8,966 businesses since its launch in 2014, helping more than 241,600 Michigan workers train, upskill or advance in high-skill careers.
“Going PRO Talent Fund creates real, long-term pathways to opportunity for people across Michigan,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “When workers earn industry-recognized skills, they’re gaining the foundation for a meaningful career that can support a family and open new doors over time. When employers strengthen their teams with highly trained talent, they’re better positioned to grow, innovate and compete. This is how we build a stronger workforce and a stronger Michigan.”
The Talent Fund helps local businesses access skilled talent while offering Michigan workers a clear pathway to high-wage, high-demand careers that improve quality of life. Workers who complete training supported by the Talent Fund see an average hourly wage increase of 6.2%.
“As chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ve fought to ensure Michigan’s workers and businesses have the resources they need to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. The Going PRO Talent Fund is one tool we have used to effectively do just that,” said Senator Sarah Anthony. “It helps employers upskill their workforce and expand opportunities for Michiganders while building stronger, more resilient communities and keeping our state competitive.”
The Going PRO Talent Fund supports a range of employer-led training options, including classroom instruction, on-the-job training for new employees and Registered Apprenticeships that lead to industry-recognized credentials.
“One of the great, unique features of the Going PRO Talent Fund is the flexibility it offers to help Michigan employers upskill their workforce,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “Supported trainings also provide an opportunity for employees to gain the industry-recognized credentials they need to grow and thrive in these in-demand careers.”
Grants through the Going PRO Talent Fund are awarded in partnership with Michigan Works! Agencies. Employers are encouraged to work closely with their local Michigan Works! Service Center to identify key training needs and develop customized plans to fill workforce gaps. All training programs must result in industry-recognized credentials that enhance workforce mobility and flexibility.
“There are few investments that benefit both sides of the workforce development equation like Going PRO Talent Fund, which is why we are so proud to play a part in facilitating these grants,” said Capital Area Michigan Works! CEO Carrie Rosingana. “Businesses get a stronger workforce, workers get more skills and better pay, and communities in Greater Lansing and around the state get stronger local economies.”
A full list of Going PRO Talent Fund Cycle 1 grant recipients for the 2026 fiscal year is available online at Michigan.gov/TalentFund. Additional funding will be available through the second cycle of Talent Fund awards which will open in Spring 2026.
The Going PRO Talent Fund supports the goals of the Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan. The 2024 Employment and Training Annual Report shows that Michigan helps more people access employment services than any other state in the Midwest, leads the nation in adult credential attainment and ranks #3 nationally for helping adults get jobs..
To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund and its impact, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.
