Indiana Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF)
Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)
Up to $50,000/biennium
IN covers incumbent worker training — $50K per 2-year cycle
Indiana reimburses employers for up to 50% of the cost of training current employees in skills that increase their earning potential. The Skills Enhancement Fund covers up to $50,000 per employer per biennium — employers pay for training, then receive reimbursement of 50% of eligible costs after employees complete training and remain employed for 5 years. Any size employer in any industry can apply; training must be occupationally specific and lead to measurable skill gains. Employer is required to contribute the remaining 50% of training costs.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount range
- $1,000 – $50,000
- Realistic amount
- $10,000–$40,000 for most employers (10–40 workers trained over a biennium)
- Deadline
- Rolling — applications accepted throughout the year subject to biennium funding availability.
- Status
- active
- States
- IN
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Employer must be located in Indiana with Indiana-based employees
- Training must be for current (incumbent) Indiana employees — not new hires or pre-employment candidates
- Training must be occupationally specific and lead to measurable skill improvements or wage increases
- Any industry is eligible — no sector restriction
- Any size employer is eligible
- Employer must contribute 50% of eligible training costs — SEF reimburses up to 50%, not 100%
- 5-year post-training retention commitment required — employer must maintain Indiana operations for 5 years or face repayment
- Training provider must be an accredited institution, approved private trainer, or qualified internal instructor
- Employer must demonstrate that training improves wages or advancement opportunities for trained workers
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Tuition and fees charged by approved training providers
- Instructor fees for qualified private trainers
- Training materials and supplies directly tied to skill development
- Certification and exam fees
- E-learning and online course fees from approved providers
Ineligible expenses
- Employee wages during training
- Training for employees outside Indiana
- Generic coursework not tied to occupational skill development (soft skills, general leadership)
- OSHA-mandated safety training without a skills development component
- Travel and lodging for trainees
- Administrative costs and overhead
How to apply
-
1
Contact Indiana DWD Business Services
Reach out to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development's Business Services team. They will review your training plan, confirm eligibility, and guide you through the application.
~2 hrs
-
2
Complete SEF application
Submit the Skills Enhancement Fund application including employer details, list of employees to be trained, description of training content, training provider, projected costs, and expected skill/wage outcomes.
~5 hrs
-
3
Execute training contract with DWD
After DWD approves your application, a training agreement is executed. Training must be conducted within the agreed timeline and scope.
~1 hrs
-
4
Deliver training and maintain records
Conduct the approved training. Track and document trainee attendance, completion, pre/post wages, and any credential or certification earned.
~2 hrs
-
5
Submit reimbursement claim
After training completion, submit invoices, completion records, and wage verification to DWD. Reimbursement is processed after DWD verifies compliance with the training agreement.
~3 hrs
The $50K cap resets each biennium — plan two-year training roadmaps to maximize the program. Apply at biennium start to avoid mid-cycle budget exhaustion.
Deadline & timing
SEF operates on a 2-year biennium cycle. The $50,000 cap resets at the start of each new biennium. Apply early in the biennium — some years see funding exhausted before the cycle ends. Contact IEDC to confirm current availability.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.