Incentives And Grants

Massachusetts Workforce Training Grant Programs

General Grant

Who is eligible? Businesses of any size
When can I apply? Applications of less than $50K are accepted monthly; over $50K are accepted in March, July, and Nov. each year
When are decisions made? 60 days after application deadline
When can training begin? Typically within 8 weeks after receipt of application approval.
Training programs length? Up to 24 months
Maximum grant award value? Up to $1,000,000, though the largest award to date was $650,000. Awards of more than $250,000 are expected to show significant employment growth, as a result of the training.
Is there a match amount? Wages of trainees while receiving training CAN be included within the match requirement.
What is reimbursable? Contracted Trainers, Training Supplies, Training Equipment, Training Materials, Internal Trainers wages, Other costs
Who can we use as trainers? Any training provider can be utilized, but must be specified within the application.
Financial reporting requirements? Previous 2 years Income and Balance Sheets must be submitted with the application. Applicant must prove financial viability and must provide a Certificate of Good Standing from the Dept. of Revenue Services.
Other requirements: Training must be job related and must help business to improve competitiveness. Training is expected to be provided DURING work hours.

Express Grant

Who is eligible? Less than 50 employees
When can I apply? Anytime
When are decisions made? Within 21 days of filing of the application
When can training begin? Training should begin between 6 weeks and 6 months of submitting application.
Training programs length? No more than 12 months
Maximum grant award value? $15,000 per year, with a cap of $3,000 per trainee
Is there a match amount? Applicants must pay 50% of the cost of the training. Wages of employees are not considered.
What is reimbursable? Trainers ONLY, Other costs
Who can we use as trainers? Training providers must be selected from a State approved list of vendors.
Financial reporting requirements? No requirement, other than providing a Certificate of Good Standing from the Dept. of Revenue Services.
Other requirements: Training must be job related.

Hiring Incentive Grant (HITG)

Who is eligible? Businesses of any size
When can I apply? Anytime; hiring notice forms MUST be submitted within 30 days of each employee's hiring date
When are decisions made? Within 3 days of filing an application
When can training begin? 50% of the training must be complete within the first 60 days of employment
Training programs length? No more than 12 months
Maximum grant award value? $30,000 per year; up to $2,000 per new unemployed worker hired
Is there a match amount? No. It is assumed that wages of employee will be paid through first 60 days of employment, and is considered match
What is reimbursable? Trainers, Training Supplies, Training Equipment, Training Materials, Internal Trainers wages, Other costs
Who can we use as trainers? Any training provider may be used, though funds are most frequesntly used to cover internal training training costs.
Financial reporting requirements? No requirement, other than providing a Certificate of Good Standing from the Dept of Revenue Services.
Other requirements: Trainees must be unemployed at time of hire and must be residents of Massachusetts.