Going PRO Talent Fund: Michigan’s #1 Talent Funding Source
What is the Going PRO Talent Fund?
Locating, training and retaining talent remains a top business challenge for manufacturers. The Going PRO Talent Fund awards funds to Michigan employers for training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees.
MMA has fought since 2014 to secure a pool of funding available through Michigan’s vital Going PRO Talent Fund, a crucial resource of employer grants for talent solutions. Since 2014, the Talent Fund has awarded more than $309 million in grants to nearly 8,500 businesses, creating training opportunities for more than 230,000 Michigan workers.
Note for Fiscal year 2026
Due to the 42% reduction in program funding for fiscal year 2026, LEO projects about 300 fewer employers will receive awards and 10,000 fewer Michigan workers will receive training support over the two award cycles.
Eligible Training
Training programs funded by the Going PRO Talent Fund must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer. Training must lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by Industry.
- Classroom or Customized training
- On-the-job Training for new employees
- Apprenticeships for first-year US Department of Labor (USDOL) Registered Apprentices
Check out MMA Workforce Solutions for eligible training from MMA partners.
Reimbursement for Training
- Up to $2,000 per person for classroom or customized training
- Up to $3,500 per person for training of USDOL Registered Apprentices
How Does My Company Apply?
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity awards funds to employers through Michigan’s workforce system, commonly known as the Michigan Works! network. Michigan Works! Business Services staff conduct fact-finding sessions with employers to assess their talent and skill gaps, suitable training providers and availability of federal funding sources. Business Services staff then help employers to access the state’s online application system known as WBLOMS.
Two independent and one employer-led collaborative application cycle are available annually, with the first round of funding application typically opening each October. Visit the State of Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund page for details on application dates and for contact information on the GPTF key contacts in your region.
Resources
Get More
Bill Rayl
Executive Director of Workforce Solutions
Call 517-487-8513
E-mail rayl@mimfg.org
David Q. Worthams
Director of Employment Policy
Call 517-487-8511
E-mail worthams@mimfg.org