Wisconsin Fast Forward
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD)
Up to $400,000 per project
WI pays up to $400K to train workers for high-demand jobs
Wisconsin Fast Forward provides grants to employers and training providers to train Wisconsin workers for in-demand occupations. Employers partner with a Wisconsin technical college or training provider to develop and deliver customized training — the state funds up to 100% of training costs for workers entering high-demand fields. Priority areas include manufacturing, construction, IT, healthcare, and CDL/transportation. Awards range from $5,000 to $400,000 per project.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount range
- $5,000 – $400,000
- Realistic amount
- $25,000–$200,000 for most employer-led projects (20–100 workers trained)
- Deadline
- Competitive rounds — applications reviewed in funding cycles. Check dwd.wisconsin.gov/wifastforward for current open solicitations.
- Status
- active
- States
- WI
- Payment model
- milestone
Who qualifies
- Employer must be located in Wisconsin or training Wisconsin residents
- Training must be for an in-demand occupation in a Wisconsin DWD priority area (manufacturing, IT, healthcare, construction, CDL/transportation)
- Training must lead to employment or career advancement in the trained occupation
- Applications can be submitted by employers directly OR by a Wisconsin technical college or training organization on behalf of employers
- Both new-hire and incumbent-worker training are eligible
- For-profit businesses, nonprofits, and workforce development organizations all eligible to apply
- Project must be ready to launch — applicants should have an employer commitment and training plan in place
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Instructor fees and trainer costs for Fast Forward training programs
- Curriculum development and training materials
- Tuition and fees at Wisconsin technical colleges or approved providers
- Certification and credential exam fees for trainees
- Classroom and lab supplies directly tied to training delivery
- Online/e-learning platform fees for approved training content
Ineligible expenses
- Trainee wages during training
- Training for occupations not in DWD's priority areas for the solicitation
- General education or degree programs without occupational specificity
- Capital equipment purchases
- Administrative overhead exceeding program limits
- Training for employees outside Wisconsin
How to apply
-
1
Monitor DWD for open Fast Forward solicitations
Check dwd.wisconsin.gov/wifastforward for current open competitive solicitations in your priority occupation. DWD issues solicitations for specific industries (e.g. manufacturing, CDL, IT). Apply only when a relevant solicitation is open.
~2 hrs
-
2
Develop training proposal with employer and provider
Prepare a training proposal: employer commitment letters, description of the in-demand occupation and skill gap, training curriculum outline, training provider (technical college preferred), number of trainees, training hours, and budget.
~10 hrs
-
3
Submit competitive grant application
Submit the Fast Forward application to DWD during the open solicitation window. Applications are scored competitively — stronger employer commitments, higher trainee counts, and clearer labor market demand evidence score highest.
~8 hrs
-
4
Deliver training upon award
Upon award, execute the training program according to the approved plan. Track attendance, completion, and employment outcomes for each trainee.
~3 hrs
-
5
Report outcomes and request disbursement
Submit progress reports and outcome data (employment rates, wage levels) to DWD per the grant agreement. Grant funds are disbursed based on reported outcomes.
~4 hrs
Fast Forward is competitive — applications with strong employer commitment letters and documented labor market demand for the occupation score highest. Partner with a Wisconsin technical college to write the application; they have significant experience and increase award rates.
Deadline & timing
Wisconsin Fast Forward operates in competitive funding rounds with defined application windows. DWD issues solicitations for specific priority occupation areas. Monitor the DWD Fast Forward page for current open solicitations. Rounds are typically announced quarterly or bi-annually depending on appropriation.
Programs that stack well
Related programs
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.