ALPENA — The semi-annual Going PRO Talent Fund application period is now open for businesses seeking assistance with employee training costs.

Area employers with businesses in Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties are encouraged to contact the Business Solutions team at Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, to submit a strong application.

A total of $50 million is expected to be awarded through the Cycle 1 fall grant round. During the fall application period, eligible businesses can apply for up to $2,000 in reimbursement per employee for training and up to $3,500 for each U.S. Department of Labor-registered apprentice. Training can be for new or existing workers.

Statewide, over 7,500 businesses have received funds through the program, benefiting more than 200,000 individuals. The program also aligns with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “60 by 30” initiative, which aims to increase the percentage of Michigan’s working-age adults with a skills certificate or college degree to 60% by 2030.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund is a great resource to help employers develop their existing and future workforce,” said Nicole Welsh, Business Solutions Manager with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium.

Grants are only awarded through Michigan Works! Agencies and if your company has not received an award in the past two years, you will receive additional consideration for funding. Going PRO will pay for training in several industries, not just manufacturing, so employers in all industries are encouraged to apply.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Oct. 18. Businesses interested in applying for the FY25 Cycle Going PRO Talent Fund should contact the Business Solutions team at Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium at miworksne.org/gptf. Award notifications will come out in December.