Chris Holman welcomes back Teri Sand, SHRM-CP, PHR, CBSP, CRP, Business Services Manager, Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham Eaton, and Clinton Counties
Watch Teri and Chris’s conversation discussing how Going PRO Talent Fund helps train new hires & upskill teams—up to $3.5K per worker!, click on this embedded YouTube video shared below:
Teri shared several points with Chris during their discussion.
Going PRO Talent Fund
- 1. What exactly is the Going PRO Talent Fund, and what’s the goal of it?
State of MI legislature determines $
Competitive application…private sector…reimbursed
Ers upskill workers, train new hires
- 2. What sorts of things can the Talent Fund pay for, either for employers or employees?
Onsite training of FT new hires
Classroom training of current workers or new hires; results in certificate of completion, certification, license or academic credit
Eligible classroom training topics updated each year; not soft skills, continuing ed credits, conferences, or workshops
Reimburse only for the cost of the training itself (NOT materials, equipment, travel, etc.)
Max reimbursement is $2,000 per person; $3,500 USDOL RA
- 3. As the Business Services Manager for Capital Area Michigan Works!, what is the Business Services Team’s role in the Talent Fund?
Meet with er, discuss their training needs
Determine if company, training, and trainees are eligible
Assist with navigating the online application
If awarded, monthly updates to help them stay on track to complete the training
- 4. Going PRO Talent Fund grants are awarded twice a year, and the second round of awards was recently announced. What can you tell us about the Cycle 2 awards?
Statewide $16.5M across 301 applications
Locally $1.6M, 17 applications, 682 to be trained (157 apprentices, 162 new hires)
Most of our awardees this time are manufacturers
- 5. Where can employers go to find more information? Other final thoughts?
Contact local MW as soon as possible; 517-492-5516
Expect application this Fall for 2026
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