Going PRO Talent Fund Awards $16 Million in Grants to Support Worker Training Across the State

Nearly 300 businesses receive support for upskilling workers and fueling economic growth

Lansing, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has awarded $16 million in Fiscal Year 2025 Cycle 2 Going PRO Talent Fund grants to 297 businesses across the state. Businesses will use the funding to train 4,691 current employees and 3,227 new hires, including 1,788 Registered Apprentices.

"The bipartisan Going PRO Talent Fund has helped thousands of businesses train tens of thousands of employees, upskilling their workforce so they can continue to expand in Michigan,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Today’s grants will help nearly 300 businesses train nearly 8,000 employees statewide, strengthening their talent pipelines, growing the middle class, and moving our economy forward. Together, let’s keep lowering the cost of higher education and skills training and work together to help more workers and small businesses ‘make it’ in Michigan.” 

The innovative training grant program continues to benefit Michigan small businesses. Of the 297 award recipients, 86% (258) are small businesses with fewer than 500 employees — and 58% (172) of all businesses receiving funding have fewer than 100 employees. More than half of all successful cycle 2 applicants are receiving their first Talent Fund award in the last six grant cycles.

Since 2014, the program has provided training for approximately 225,000 Michigan workers and supported more than 7,400 businesses. Going PRO Talent Fund covers a variety of employer-driven training programs, including classroom instruction, on-the-job training for new employees and apprenticeships that lead to industry-recognized credentials. Workers who complete training supported by the Talent Fund see an average hourly wage increase of 7.2%.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund is a powerful example of how we’re investing in people and the future of Michigan’s economy,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “By connecting workers to training that leads to good-paying, secure jobs and helping businesses develop the talent they need to grow, we’re creating real opportunity across every region of the state.”

The Going PRO Talent Fund directly aligns with the goals of Michigan’s first-ever Statewide Workforce Plan to expand career opportunities, strengthen Michigan’s workforce, and support employers. Recognizing the program’s ongoing impact, Governor Whitmer included $54.8 million in her Fiscal Year 2026 executive budget recommendation to continue these job training grants for current and new employees in high-demand, skilled trades industries.

The Going PRO Talent Fund supports short-term, employer-driven training programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials ranging from classroom instruction to on-the-job training and Registered Apprenticeships. This cycle alone will support nearly 1,800 Michiganders enrolled in Registered Apprenticeship programs. Michigan is home to the fourth-highest number of active Registered Apprentices in the nation with more than 22,000 participants and over 850 unique programs.

“Michigan’s economy relies on a strong and skilled workforce, and the Going PRO Talent Fund remains one of our most effective tools to meet that need,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, deputy director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “This program opens doors for workers to secure meaningful careers and provides businesses with the talent they need to grow and adapt.”

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

Grants through the Going PRO Talent Fund are awarded in partnership with Michigan Works! agencies. Employers are encouraged to work closely with their local Michigan Works! Service Center to identify key training needs and develop customized plans to fill workforce gaps. All training programs must result in industry-recognized credentials that enhance workforce mobility and flexibility.

“The Going PRO Talent Fund is impactful for both the employer and the employee,” said Dana Williams, President of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation. “We work to connect employers to this supportive funding that ensures Detroiters can walk the path to success by providing them with valuable skills and career advancement opportunities across a wide range of industries throughout the city. As a result, employers see increased employee productivity, reduced turnover, and are better positioned for improved competitiveness.”

The Going PRO Talent Fund is a key part of LEO’s broader All-Access Michigan approach, aimed at removing barriers and providing opportunities for businesses and workers alike. Research shows Michigan provides employment services to more participants than any other state in the Midwest and is #3 in the nation for helping adults get employed.

To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund, its impact and the full list of awardees, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.

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