Funding will help area employers train and retain their workforce, strengthen the local economy
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has awarded $25 million in the latest round of Going PRO Talent Fund grants to 449 businesses to support the training of 12,822 Michigan workers, including $3.3 million to 58 businesses in the Flint/Great Lakes Bay/Thumb region. This regional investment will support the training of 613 new hires and 1,062 current employees in
high-demand, skilled positions.
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 Talent Fund creates real, long-term pathways to opportunity for people across Michigan,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “When workers earn industry recognized skills, they’re gaining the foundation for a meaningful career that can support a family and open new doors over time. When employers strengthen their teams with highly trained talent, they’re better positioned to grow, innovate and compete. This is how we build a stronger workforce and a stronger Michigan.”
The Talent Fund helps local businesses access skilled talent while offering Michigan workers a clear pathway to high-wage, high-demand careers that improve quality of life. Workers who complete training supported by the Talent Fund see an average hourly wage increase of 6.2%.
“Michigan’s economy is strongest when workers have the skills they need to succeed and businesses have the talented workforce they need to grow,” said Senator John Cherry. “The Going PRO Talent Fund is a proven tool that does both. My colleagues in the Senate and I support this program because it invests directly in Michigan workers, strengthens our local communities and ensures our state remains a leader in advanced
manufacturing and the industries of the future.”
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 trainings also provide an opportunity for employees to gain the industry-recognized credentials they need to grow and thrive in these in-demand careers.”
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 directly impacts the Great Lakes Bay Region, serving Bay, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland and Saginaw Counties,” said Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! CEO Kristen Wenzel. “Employers across the region work with Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! staff to apply for this competitive funding.
Companies who receive awards use the funds to help their local workforce learn new skills and technologies to support business expansion. Since this program began in 2014, $18.4 million has directly supported training of 16,281 local workers to help local businesses expand and thrive.
“The Going PRO Talent Fund benefits both Michigan workers and employers,” said Jody Kerbyson, Chief Executive Officer, GST Michigan Works!. “Employees gain valuable credentials that can increase their earnings, and businesses profit from a more skilled workforce. It’s a strategic tool that helps Michigan companies attract, retain and train talent for long-term success.”
A full list of Going PRO Talent Fund Cycle 1 grant recipients for the 2026 fiscal year is available online at Michigan.gov/TalentFund. Additional funding will be available through the second cycle of Talent Fund awards which will open in Spring 2026.
The Going PRO Talent Fund supports the goals of the Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan. The 2024 Employment and Training Annual Report shows that Michigan helps more people access employment services than any other state in the Midwest, leads the nation in adult credential attainment and ranks #3 nationally for helping adults get jobs..
To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund and its impact, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.
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