Current Grant Opportunities.
Manufacturing is a heavily targeted industry for the State, and funds are available to support your efforts. The funding opportunities available are Incumbent Worker Training (IWT), Employed Worker Training (EWT), and the Quick Response Training (QRT) grants, which are open to all counties in South Florida.
Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) Grant:
The State of Florida has allocated millions of training dollars for the Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) program. IWT is a state grant for Florida businesses. Through this customer-driven program, Florida is able to effectively retain and keep businesses competitive through skills upgrade training for existing full-time employees.
This grant helps employers fund training for individuals they already employ to keep their firms and workers competitive. The program does not limit the kinds of training that will be considered for funding, however, the high demand and limited funding for IWT grants has resulted in a preference to fund training that represents a significant skills upgrade for employees and/or the greatest potential for impacting the company’s competitiveness. All for profit Florida businesses that have been in operation for a minimum of one year prior of the application date, have at least one full-time employee, are financially viable, and current on all state tax obligations are eligible.
A dollar for dollar match is required. Wages do not count as a match, but facility usage does count. A certificate of completion must be given to each individual at the end of training. Once funds have been awarded, a company may apply for additional funds every other year. Workforce Florida, Inc. administers the program. Applications for the 2006-07 fiscal year are now available. Funds will be awarded on a first come first serve basis until all of the funds are spent.
Employed Worker Training Grant (EWT):
The Employed Worker Training (EWT) grant serves lower income employee or employees who would be let go if they did not have the sufficient skills to perform the job for the company. The purpose of the EWT program is to provide training funds to companies with the intent of advancing current employees’ wages and positions, and to assist them in retaining jobs that provide self-sufficient employment. The goal of this locally funded program is to upgrade the skills of your existing employees and is flexible enough to meet many training requirements.
The EWT grant does not have to be a dollar for dollar match, but can be matched either in-kind or with cash. Wages for an employee can be counted toward the match. Employees must live in the employer's respective County. Funds cannot be used to purchase capital equipment, but can be used to lease or rent equipment. Funded customized training projects must be completed by June 30 of each year for which funds are awarded. Since there is a variety of required documentation for this grant, we recommend meeting with us to review the entire application process. We have samples of everything required and can walk you through the process step by step.
Quick Response Training (QRT):
Quick Response Training (QRT) is a state-funded program that provides grant funding for customized training for new or expanding businesses. It is for individuals companies who are creating new, permanent, full-time jobs or need to hire new employees. Through this customer-driven program, Florida is able to effectively retain and attract businesses creating new high-quality jobs. Existing employees are eligible for funding as part of an expansion project.
Funding is provided in the form of a performance based reimbursable grant, 24-month maximum term. A business pays for pre-approved, direct training-related costs, and is reimbursed by the State of Florida upon submission and approval of required documentation. The QRT program is designed to increase the competitiveness of Florida businesses in the global economy. All applications for new and expanding businesses creating new high-quality jobs will be given equal consideration and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The program has been structured to be flexible and to "respond quickly" to meet the business' training objectives.
If you would like additional information on how SFMA can provide assistance to your company with obtaining a grant or other financial incentives, please complete the form below and Dennis Battistella, Director of Workforce Development, will contact you with the details.
