$29 million in grants available to employers. 

$29 million in grants available to employers. 

LUDINGTON — Funds to train employees are getting a big boost from the State of Michigan. Local businesses can compete for a piece of the state’s Skilled Trades Training Fund (STTF), a $29 million competitive grant program, a 60% increase from the previous application year.

This year’s open application period began Monday, September 18 and will end at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 6. A STTF application can only be submitted by representatives from Michigan Works!  The grant process is competitive, so a complete and accurate application is critical.

Paul Griffith, executive director of Michigan Works! West Central, said STTF gives employers access to training dollars with very few restrictions. “They can train both incumbent or active workforce, as well as new hires with this program, with very few eligibility factors to meet,” he said. “And they have a wide range of training available to them; they can train to almost any technical skill that an employer can need.”

In Mason and Oceana counties, four companies, received more than $62,349 in grants in the 2017 fiscal year.

• Occidental Chemical Corporation in Ludington
• Pere Marquette Shipping in Ludington
• SyncWave, LLC in Scottville
• Valley City Metal Products, Inc., in Shelby

For more information, contact Merri Bennett, business services director at mbennett@michworkswc.org.