December 18, 2025
Michigan Works! areas around the state recently received $25 million in state funding for the latest round of the Going PRO Talent Fund grants. This latest cycle of awards will support 449 businesses statewide as they train 8,657 current employees and 4,165 new hires—including 3,097 Registered Apprentices—helping employers grow while opening doors to good-paying, in-demand careers for Michiganders.
The Going PRO Talent Fund is a reimbursement program that helps Michigan businesses recover the costs of completed employee training. Because funds are only distributed after training is successfully delivered, the program ensures responsible use of taxpayer dollars and supports proven workforce investments.
“The Going PRO Talent Fund is a powerful example of workforce development at its best: employer-driven training delivered through strong local partnerships,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “When businesses collaborate with their local Michigan Works! Agency, they can quickly design training that meets real needs—keeping talent here and helping workers advance.”
Since its launch in 2014, the Michigan Works! Association has led the way in advocating for statewide support for the Going PRO initiative, which has invested $323.4 million in 8,966 businesses and supported training for more than 241,600 Michigan workers to date. The program prioritizes short-term, industry-recognized credentials that lead to better jobs, stronger wages, and long-term career stability; workers completing Going PRO–supported training see an average hourly wage increase of 6.2 percent.
“The Going PRO Talent Fund is one of Michigan's most powerful tools for helping employers build and retain a skilled workforce," said Jakki Bungart-Bibb, director of Michigan Works! Southwest. "Through this competitive grant, our Business Solutions Team helps local companies hire, train, and upskill employees, creating quality jobs and sustainable career pathways. Investing in people isn't just good for business, it's how we strengthen our communities and secure Michigan's economic future."
The Going PRO Talent Fund advances the goals of the Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan. Michigan continues to lead the Midwest in access to employment services, ranks first nationally in adult credential attainment, and places third nationwide for helping adults secure jobs.
Michigan Works! Southwest, part of the W. E. Upjohn Institute’s Center for Workforce Innovation and Solutions (CWIS), is part of a statewide network of organizations that contributes to the economic prosperity of our communities by developing a strong, talented workforce. The agency serves employers and jobseekers in Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph Counties. Additional information is available online at www.michiganworkssouthwest.org.