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LANSING — On Tuesday, Gov. Whitmer joined the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to award $25 million in the latest round of Going PRO Talent Fund grants to 449 businesses across the state, including several in Northeast Michigan.

Four local businesses received money from the fund. Medilodge of Alpena received $12,195, Medilodged Greenview $5,499, Medilodge of Rogers City $8,390, and Medilodge of Hillman received $5,499.

The businesses will use the funding to train current employees and new hires, including registered apprentices, ensuring Michigan employers have the talent they need to grow while helping more workers succeed in high-demand fields.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund helps workers get the skills they need to get good-paying jobs and advance their careers in Michigan,” said Whitmer in a press release on Tuesday.. “Today’s grants will support our state’s businesses as they develop the high-skill workers they need and help Michigan workers earn the credentials or certificates needed to land stable, good-paying jobs. Let’s keep investing in bipartisan workforce solutions like the Going PRO Talent Fund and working together to grow our economy.”

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 helps Michigan workers access short-term, industry-recognized training that leads to better jobs, stronger wages and long-term career stability. Workers who complete training supported by Going PRO see an average hourly wage increase of 6.2%.

“Going PRO is all about empowering Michiganders and helping our businesses grow,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “These grants help workers gain the skills they need for good-paying, life-changing careers. When we invest in people, we see their confidence and abilities grow. This strengthens our local businesses, families, communities and Michigan’s entire economy.”

Employers who received grants in this cycle represent a diverse cross-section of Michigan’s economy, including advanced manufacturing, construction, clean energy and healthcare. Award recipients are using the funds to upskill employees, implement new technologies and retain workers in a competitive labor market.

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 training also provides an opportunity for employees to gain the industry-recognized credentials they need to grow and thrive in these in-demand careers.”

The innovative training grant program continues to benefit Michigan small businesses. Of the 488 total awards this cycle, 88% (428) are small businesses with fewer than 500 employees – and 56% (272) of all businesses receiving funding have fewer than 100 employees.

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

“The Going PRO Talent Fund helps Michiganders gain the skills they need for high-demand, good-paying jobs and that’s what keeps talent here in Michigan,” said LEO Workforce Development Director Krista Johnson. “The Talent Fund also connects businesses with local workforce partners, helping them access additional resources that may be available to help them grow a skilled workforce, further supporting those who drive our state’s economy forward.”