Thanks to the most recent round of Going PRO Talent Fund grants, businesses in Clare, Mecosta and Osceola counties will receive over $90,000 in funding to help local workers receive the training they need to gain and retain high-skill, high-wage careers.

Statewide, approximately $13.5 million in grants from the second cycle of Fiscal Year 2023 Going PRO Talent Fund were awarded to nearly 300 Michigan businesses to help approximately 8,500 workers secure employment, industry-recognized credentials and strong wages.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund prioritizes the well-being of Michigan residents, providing access to rewarding employment opportunities and empowering local companies to foster the necessary talent for national competitiveness,” said Kunse, of Clare. “These awards directly equip hardworking residents with essential skills to ensure future prosperity.”

In Northern Michigan, the Talent Fund helps local businesses secure the in-demand, high-skill talent they need to grow while giving local workers a clear path to high-wage careers that offer a better quality of life for themselves and their families.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity makes Going PRO Talent Fund awards to employers through Michigan Works! Agencies, including West Michigan Works!, Michigan Works! West Central, and Michigan Works! Region 7B Consortium. Participating employers play an integral role in defining their key training needs, then work with local agencies and other partners to develop strategic training plans.

“We must continue to provide folks the training they need to thrive here in Michigan,” Kunse said.

Since the program’s launch in 2014, more than 6,000 Michigan businesses have received Going PRO Talent Fund awards to train 175,000 new and existing workers. Since the program’s inception, worker wages have increased an average of 9% following training completion.

To view a full list of grant recipients for the 2023 fiscal year and learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund and its application cycles, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.