These days it’s rare to get anything for free. But if your business is based in Massachusetts, you may be eligible for a wide variety of professional training courses—at little or no cost to you.
Grant money provided by the Workforce Training Fund Program could help you strengthen and expand your skills to help you stay at the top of your game. You get to choose your own trainings, so you can dig deeply into improving productivity, technical skills, management, public speaking, or any other area of interest. True Focus is a registered provider in the Workforce Training Fund Program, and several of my time management trainings are eligible.
Unfamiliar with this program? I guarantee there’s at least one eligible training course that would help you be more competitive, more organized, and more productive. Here’s a brief overview of everything you need to know to access the grant money to cover it.
What is the Workforce Training Fund Program?
Per their website, “The Workforce Training Fund Program helps address business productivity and competitiveness by funding training for current and newly hired employees of Massachusetts businesses.”
The program is managed by Commonwealth Corporation, a “quasi-governmental agency” that was created by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. It’s funded through unemployment insurance paid by Massachusetts employers.
It’s important to distinguish between the WTFP General program and the Express program. Basically, the General program issues bigger grants for extensive training programs, with slower turnaround for applications. The Express program issues smaller grants with an easier application process and quicker response. It’s the Express program that you’ll want to look into.
How does the Workforce Training Fund Program work?
Grants issued through the Express program can only be used for pre-approved training courses led by registered trainers. Eligible businesses can get up to $15,000 per calendar year in grant money, with each individual limited to a $3,000 cap.
The WTFP works on a reimbursement basis. You apply first, wait for approval, complete your training, and then submit proof of your payment and completion of the course. Your trainer can give you the documentation you need.
Am I eligible for the Workforce Training Fund Program?
You may be eligible for funding through the Express program if your business/organization meets the following criteria:
- It’s located in Massachusetts, or has at least one location in Massachusetts.
- It has fewer than 100 employees. (Larger employers need to apply for funding through the General program.)
- It pays into the Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance system. If your organization self-funds its unemployment insurance, or is a government entity, you won’t be eligible.
Check the eligibility FAQ page for answers to specific questions.
How do I apply for the Workforce Training Fund Program?
The Express program is designed to be quick and easy for busy professionals to use, so the application process isn’t too daunting. The key thing to know is that your application must be submitted at least 21 days before your training starts.
The first step—after confirming that you qualify—is to choose the training course you want to take. You can search the Course Directory by entering keywords, choosing from a list of training categories, or choosing from a list of training providers.
So, let’s say you want to use WTFP funding to attend my Time Matters Boot Camp 90-Day Program. You could find the course info by searching the “time management” category, by choosing “True Focus Coaching, Inc.” from the training provider list, or by searching “time matters boot camp.” Note the Express Course ID of the training you want to take.
You will also need three documents:
- A Certificate of Good Standing from the Department of Revenue
- A Certificate of Compliance from the Department of Unemployment Assistance
- And a W9.
(Find detailed instructions for obtaining documents on the Express Program FAQ page.)
You’re ready to apply!
Once you’ve gathered everything, give yourself an hour to complete the application. Again, the FAQ page has answers to tons of questions you might have.
Whether it’s my Time Matters Boot Camp 90-Day Program, one of my other time management trainings, or another course, I hope you’re able to use the Workforce Training Fund Program to help you grow your skills and your business this summer.
Please reach out to me directly with any questions about Time Matters Boot Camp or any of my other programs.
Be well,
Sarah
