Funding will help train 27,000 workers at nearly 750 Michigan businesses to support talent needs

LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to announce $47,000,000 in Going PRO Talent Fund grants to nearly 750 Michigan businesses to support their in-demand, high-skill talent needs, and help approximately 27,000 workers across the state secure employment, industry-recognized credentials, and strong wages.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund helps workers get the skills they need to build their lives and advance their careers in Michigan,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Today’s grants will help nearly 750 businesses get the high-skill, in-demand talent they need and empower 27,000 workers earn credentials or certificates to help them land stable, good-paying jobs. Since launching in 2014, the Talent Fund has helped 6,000 businesses and 170,000 workers, and today we are keeping that momentum going. Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator as we grow our economy, create unparalleled economic opportunity, and empower more people to Make it in Michigan.”

Since the program's launch in 2014, more than 6,000 Michigan businesses have received Talent Fund awards to assist in training, developing and retaining newly hired and current employees. Training must fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry.

Talent Fund has supported approximately 170,000 workers with training over the years.

“Through programs like the Going PRO Talent Fund, we can ensure Michiganders have a path to good-paying jobs and businesses have the resources they need to stay competitive in today’s economy,” said Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). “It’s investments like this that will result in a better economy, one that expands economic opportunity by driving educational attainment, increasing workforce participation and creating equal prosperity for all.”

LEO makes Going PRO Talent Fund awards to employers through Michigan Works! Agencies (MWAs). Participating employers play an integral role in defining their key training needs, then work with their local MWAs and other partners to develop strategic training plans.

A full list of grant recipients for the 2023 fiscal year, per MWA, is available online at Michigan.gov/TalentFund.

Additional funding will be available through the second cycle of Talent Fund awards, which will open late spring. Employers are encouraged to apply as Industry-Led Collaboratives starting in March 2023.

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

###