Workforce Training Fund Program
The Workforce Training Fund Program funds Massachusetts employers to provide employee training and upskilling, including ESOL, DEI, and climate resiliency, to boost business competitiveness and workforce development.
Funder: Commonwealth Corporation
Due Dates: Rolling (applications accepted year-round)
Funding Amounts: General Program: up to $200,000 per grant; Express Program: up to $3,000 per person/course; Technical Assistance: $10,000–$50,000; durations vary by program.
Summary: Flexible grants to Massachusetts employers and partners for employee training, workforce upskilling, and organizational capacity building.
Key Information: Expanded access and increased funding effective April 1, 2026; employers may now participate in both Express and General Programs concurrently.
Description
The Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP) is a suite of grant opportunities administered by the Commonwealth Corporation to help Massachusetts businesses invest in employee skill-building. The program aims to strengthen business productivity and competitiveness by funding training for both current and newly hired employees. WTFP offers multiple grant options:
- General Program: For larger-scale, customized workforce development projects.
- Express Program: For rapid, just-in-time training needs.
- General Program Bridge Grant: Specifically for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) training during the one-year waiting period between General Program grants.
- Technical Assistance Grants: Limited grants to expand training opportunities and organizational capacity, focusing on priorities like ESOL, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and Climate Change Resiliency.
Employers can use these grants to address changing business needs, improve employee engagement, and upskill their workforce to support business growth.
