Great Lakes Wire

Cycle 1 of the Fiscal Year 2026 Going PRO Talent Fund began accepting applications on October 14, 2025, and will close at 5 p.m. EDT on October 30. The Going PRO Talent Fund is a grant program that supports employers in Michigan by providing funds for training both current and new employees. The program aims to address skill gaps in businesses and help employees earn industry-recognized credentials. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity distributes these funds through Michigan Works! agencies across the state.

The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) has consistently supported the Going PRO Talent Fund, describing it as the state's leading upskilling initiative. According to SBAM, many employers continue to face shortages of skilled workers, and the program allows them to train existing staff to fill critical roles. SBAM stated, "Going PRO helps these employers find the talent to fill holes from within their existing workforce, while also giving their employees the opportunity to build their ability and capacity."

Last year, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity awarded $42.7 million in grants to 697 businesses, which supported the training of 22,000 workers in Michigan. Since its inception in 2014, more than 200,000 workers have participated in the program to receive training or certification. The program has received $54 million annually in state funding but still regularly turns away qualified applicants due to limited resources.

This year, the state budget for Fiscal Year 2026 has reduced funding for the program from $54.6 million to $22.3 million, a 42% decrease. This reduction means smaller grant pools and a higher likelihood that qualified applicants will be denied funding. "Across the board, this will mean that each grant pool will be smaller than normal, and qualified applicants will experience higher rates of denial," the SBAM Advocacy Team wrote.

The application period for Cycle 1 is starting later than usual because the state legislature delayed finalizing the budget. However, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity plans to expedite the award process so that training programs can begin on January 1, 2026.

Businesses interested in applying are encouraged to act quickly due to the increased competition for limited funds in Cycle 1, which is typically the most competitive period for applications. The department also plans to offer a second funding cycle in Spring 2026, but similar competition for grants is expected.

Employers seeking information about the application process are advised to contact their local Michigan Works! office. For legislative questions regarding the program, the SBAM Advocacy Team is available as a resource.