Indiana Workforce Training Grant

VCEDA operates a Renewable Energy Fund to help attract new green jobs and investment to Southwest Virginia's e-Region and to help diversify its economy. Projects eligible for funding from the Renewable Energy Fund include commercial/industrial generation projects using renewable energy sources; manufacture of renewable energy products and components; and workforce development and training projects to prepare the region’s workforce for renewable energy jobs. Funding is available as low-interest loans and/or grants for real estate acquisition, building construction, equipment purchases, and other physical improvements adding value to real estate, including associated soft costs. Grants are available to assist with workforce development and training, including tuition reimbursement, internships, and training equipment.

Inspired by Founders First CEO, Kim Folsom’s brother, U.S. Navy Veteran Stephen L. Tadlock, the $25,000 fund will make investments of $1,000 each to 25 veterans who are running employer-based small businesses across the country.

The Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program provides grants that assist small- and mid-sized enterprises with the adoption and integration of smart technologies into existing operations in the state. Grants offered through this program are aimed at helping manufacturers increase productivity, efficiency and competitiveness. They may be used for the purchase of equipment and specialized hardware or software in the Industry 4.0 technology groups.

Purpose: The Underground Storage Tank (UST) Cleanup Fund's mission is to (1) establish a mechanism to meet Financial Responsibility requirements for owners and operators of petroleum USTs, and (2) reimburse eligible corrective action costs incurred in the cleanup of contamination resulting from the unauthorized release of petroleum from USTs. Description: The UST Cleanup Fund provides a means for petroleum UST owners and operators to meet the federal and state requirements of maintaining financial responsibility to pay for damages arising from unauthorized releases from their petroleum USTs. The Fund assists a large number of small businesses and individuals by providing reimbursement for expenses associated with the cleanup of leaking USTs.

PWQ provides matching training grants and support services targeted to improve the competitive position of small and mid-sized manufacturing and technology companies. Grants are used to increase the skills of existing workers for new technologies and production processes, improve employee productivity and increase employment stability. Applicants should have a minimum of ten full-time employees. At least 60% of available funds must be awarded to employers with 150 or fewer employees in the State. The Program encourages the participation of small and minority-owned businesses. Priority will be given to manufacturing and technology companies. In regions of the State where regionally important industries have been identified beyond manufacturing and technology, justification should be provided to approve PWQ funding.