Michigan Going PRO Talent Fund
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) — Workforce Development
Up to $500,000
Researched for this program: 5 rejection traps · 6 required documentsWhat decides this award ↓
Michigan funds incumbent worker upskilling for MI employers
Competitive annual grant that reimburses Michigan employers for structured skills-upgrade training for current employees. Covers both customized training (company-specific curriculum) and registered apprenticeships. Employers apply through Michigan Works! agencies. Awards typically $50K–$500K. FY2025 allocated $35 million statewide.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount range
- $10,000 – $500,000
- Realistic amount
- Most awards $50K–$300K depending on workforce size and training scope
- Deadline
- Annual cycle — applications typically open fall/winter. FY2025 cycle closed spring 2025. Watch Michigan Works! for FY2026 opening.
- Status
- between-intakes
- States
- MI
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Employer must be located in Michigan with Michigan-based employees
- Training must be for incumbent workers (current Michigan employees) — new-hire training is not the primary focus
- Must partner with a Michigan Works! agency to apply — employers do not apply directly to the state
- Registered apprenticeship track also eligible — employer must have a DOL-registered apprenticeship program or commit to starting one
- Any industry and any employer size; priority to manufacturing, healthcare, and high-demand sectors
- Employer must demonstrate a retention and wage-growth plan for trained employees
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Third-party training provider tuition and fees
- Curriculum development for customized training
- Instructor costs for in-house training
- Training materials, books, and supplies
- Apprenticeship-related related instruction (RI) costs
- Equipment required for training delivery (not production equipment)
Ineligible expenses
- Trainee wages during training
- Training for employees located outside Michigan
- Generic online coursework (Coursera, LinkedIn Learning) without customization
- Safety training solely mandated by law
- New equipment purchases for production use
- Pre-employment or new-hire onboarding not tied to skill advancement
How to apply
-
1
Contact your regional Michigan Works! agency
Identify and contact the Michigan Works! agency serving your county. They are the intake point for Going PRO — employers do not apply directly to the state. The agency will assess your training needs and explain the current cycle timeline.
~2 hrs
-
2
Develop training plan and budget
Work with your Michigan Works! business services representative to document your training curriculum, trainee count, training provider, and expected wage outcomes. Customized training requires a third-party or in-house trainer; apprenticeship track requires a registered apprenticeship program.
~8 hrs
-
3
Michigan Works! submits application to LEO
The Michigan Works! agency compiles and submits the Going PRO application to LEO Workforce Development on your behalf. Competitive review occurs at the state level against other regional applicants.
~2 hrs
-
4
Execute training contract and deliver training
If awarded, employer signs a contract with Michigan Works! and/or LEO. Training must be delivered within the contract period (typically 12 months). Progress reporting required.
~10 hrs
-
5
Submit documentation for reimbursement
Submit invoices, training records, and payroll evidence to receive reimbursement. Going PRO is a reimbursement program — employers pay training costs first.
~5 hrs
Apply through your Michigan Works! agency early — they have informal first-come, first-served pressure despite the open cycle. Manufacturing and registered apprenticeship applications score best.
Deadline & timing
Applications are submitted through local Michigan Works! agencies, which have their own intake windows aligned to the state cycle. Contact your regional Michigan Works! office for FY2026 dates. Award announcements typically occur 3–4 months after close.
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