LANSING, Mich. — Capital Area Michigan Works! and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will invest $2,249,780 in local businesses over the next year. The funds were allocated through the Going PRO Talent Fund (Talent Fund) awards to address the need for enhanced training and talent.

The Business Services Team at Capital Area Michigan Works! helped 58 employers in the region submit 84 applications for this year’s Talent Fund funding, and 100% of those applications were approved.  

Since the program's launch in 2014, over 3,000 Michigan businesses have received Talent Fund awards to assist in training, developing and retaining newly hired and current employees. This program is a partnership among the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Works! Agencies, employers, and community colleges and training programs in Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity makes Talent Fund awards to employers through Michigan Works! Agencies. Participating employers play an integral role in defining their key training needs, then work with the local Michigan Works! agencies and other partners to develop appropriate, realistic training plans. These trainings will occur from Feb. 1, 2021 through Jan. 31, 2022.

The goal of Talent Fund is to provide a marketable skill or recognized credential for individuals receiving training so participating businesses and employees can compete, expand and make a positive contribution to their local and state economies.

“The need for enhanced training and talent continues to grow in our region,” said Carrie Rosingana, CEO of Capital Area Michigan Works!. “The Talent Fund awards help businesses invest in this training and talent development. This is the first year 100% of the applications submitted by our Business Services Team at Capital Area Michigan Works! were accepted. I continue to be so proud of the team I work with and our region.” 

These Talent Fund funds will allow 1,763 people in the region to receive training, resulting in 65 newly registered apprentices with the U.S. Department of Labor. A total of $39,015,052 in Talent Fund grants were awarded statewide. The fund has supported more than 94,000 workers with training over the years, including new hires and current workers.

Capital Area Michigan Works!, a proud partner of the American Job Center network, connects with businesses to develop recruiting and retention strategies and strengthens the local workforce by enhancing education and career opportunities for job seekers. Learn more at www.camw.org.

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