Workforce Development Grants

This grant supports entrepreneurs and researchers in Pennsylvania by providing resources and funding to help turn innovative ideas into marketable products and services that benefit the community and beyond.

The COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program was established to help employers provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Hazard pay is intended to keep front-line employees working in sectors that are vital to every Pennsylvanians’ existence. The program will help employers provide hazard pay for their employees to retain current employees. This reimbursement-based grant is for employers who will be offering hazard pay over the eligible program period. For general questions about the program or specific application questions, visit our Hazard Pay FAQs. Hazard Pay FAQs Financial Info: The COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program was established to help employers provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Hazard pay is intended to keep front-line employees working in sectors that are vital to every Pennsylvanians’ existence. The program will help employers provide hazard pay for their employees to retain current employees. This reimbursement-based grant is for employers who will be offering hazard pay over the eligible program period. For general questions about the program or specific application questions, visit our Hazard Pay FAQs. Hazard Pay FAQs

This program provides funding to regional Industrial Resource Centers in Pennsylvania to assist small and medium-sized manufacturers with technical support, workforce development, and process improvements to boost their competitiveness and productivity.

This funding is designed to assist organizations in Pennsylvania that are working to quickly prevent and address homelessness among vulnerable populations affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The COVID-19 Relief – Supporting Elm and Main (SEAM) program will provide financial assistance to the community revitalization organizations dedicated to community and economic development in older and historic downtowns, commercial districts, and neighborhoods according to the principles of the Elm Street and Main Street Approaches. The program, supported by Keystone Communities funding, is intended to assist Elm Street and Main Street organizations that have been economically impacted by COVID-19. Financial Info: The COVID-19 Relief – Supporting Elm and Main (SEAM) program will provide financial assistance to the community revitalization organizations dedicated to community and economic development in older and historic downtowns, commercial districts, and neighborhoods according to the principles of the Elm Street and Main Street Approaches. The program, supported by Keystone Communities funding, is intended to assist Elm Street and Main Street organizations that have been economically impacted by COVID-19.

This program provides essential financial support to small businesses in Pennsylvania that have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, helping them access working capital to sustain their operations.

This funding initiative provides financial support to regional partnerships of economic development organizations in Pennsylvania to enhance collaboration and deliver effective services that promote business growth and strengthen local economies.

This program provides $200 million in competitive funding to improve broadband access in underserved areas lacking reliable internet service of at least 25/3 Mbps.

This program provides financial assistance ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to small businesses in Pennsylvania that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Naturally Lewis Building Business Fund aims to support business growth in Lewis County by providing matching funds for businesses to acquire necessary tools, both literal (equipment/machinery) and figurative (business services/professional services). This initiative is designed to bolster the local economy by facilitating the expansion or diversification of businesses, with an emphasis on projects that demonstrate a clear benefit to the community, including economic development, job creation, introduction of new products or services, and enhancement of cultural or recreational opportunities. Eligible projects may involve equipment, machinery, working capital, training, and workforce development, but cannot include construction or capital improvements. Applications open on July 1, 2024, with a deadline of September 26, 2024. Grant awards range from $10,000 to $50,000.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has introduced the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot as part of the Job Training Economic Development Program, with a $5 million budget to address homelessness and workforce development. This grant targets Continuum of Care (COC) areas, aiming to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with employment opportunities, thereby enhancing financial stability and access to permanent housing. The program prioritizes employment navigation, partnerships, support services, work readiness, and training and education. It seeks to create a system where homeless individuals can secure and retain quality jobs, contributing to their long-term economic and housing stability.

This program provides funding to local workforce organizations in Illinois to enhance job quality and training in key industries like healthcare and manufacturing, ultimately benefiting workers and employers alike.

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) focuses on providing high-quality, comprehensive professional development for Career & Technical Education (CTE) teachers in Alaska. This initiative aims to integrate state academic standards with relevant technical knowledge and skills, prepare CTE educators to accommodate special populations, and ensure instructors remain updated with industry standards. Approximately $125,000 is available for FY25, anticipating up to five grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 each, to support intensive professional development in high-needs CTE areas determined by Perkins-receiving districts. Applications are due by May 3, 2024, with the grant period running from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Proposals must deliver at least 40 hours of professional development and may include postsecondary credit options for participants.

The Minnesota State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program, overseen by the Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, invites eligible Minnesota-based small businesses to apply for funding aimed at facilitating export development activities. This initiative is designed to support businesses either embarking on exporting or looking to expand their exports from Minnesota. With a fund of approximately $200,000 available for the program year ending on June 30, 2022, the STEP program offers financial and technical assistance to qualified applicants. The grant mandates a 50% matching fund from recipients, capped at $7,500. Applications are evaluated competitively upon receipt, with a recommendation for early submission to ensure timely review, especially for activities involving travel. Rolling (applications accepted until funds are fully allocated)

This program provides financial support to Colorado schools and local educational agencies that are struggling academically, helping them develop and implement improvement plans to enhance student performance.

This program provides $145 million in financial assistance to hospitality businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through county-established grant programs.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The $2 trillion economic relief package aims to protect the American people from the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19. Act 2A of 2020, known as the COVID-19 Emergency Supplement to the General Appropriation Act of 2019, appropriated $10,000,000 from the COVID-19 Response Restricted Account to the Department of Health. Through a sub-grant, the Department of Community and Economic Development will administer this program to eligible applicants for the rapid advancement of vaccines, treatments, and therapies in response to COVID-19. Financial Info: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The $2 trillion economic relief package aims to protect the American people from the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19. Act 2A of 2020, known as the COVID-19 Emergency Supplement to the General Appropriation Act of 2019, appropriated $10,000,000 from the COVID-19 Response Restricted Account to the Department of Health. Through a sub-grant, the Department of Community and Economic Development will administer this program to eligible applicants for the rapid advancement of vaccines, treatments, and therapies in response to COVID-19.

This program provides funding to municipalities and organizations in Berks, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and York Counties for community infrastructure and economic development projects that enhance public welfare.

The Maine Department of Education invites applications to fund climate education professional development for local education providers, with priority for historically underserved communities. The program increases student access to current environmental and climate education by supporting schools that have lacked instruction, partnerships, or field opportunities. Allowable costs include hiring or contracting program staff, stipends or incentives for teachers and staff beyond compensated time, curriculum and instructional material development, supplies, space rental, and administrative expenses. The department plans multiple awards with typical award size around 750,000 dollars, subject to final budgeting. Projects should demonstrate expanded access and clear benefits for priority student populations. Eligible applicants are local education providers, including school administrative units, schools in unorganized territories, career and technical education regions and programs, and schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education. Applications should document community need, partnership approaches, and strategies to reach underserved students. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from the Maine Department of Education.

The Public Safety Academy Assistance Program provides financial support, up to $24,000 per recruit, for law enforcement training academy costs and salaries of recruits attending the academy, with a single agency able to fund up to 25 recruits.