Tampa CRA Grant

The Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Development (AMP'D) Iowa Program provides Iowa advanced manufacturing employers with reimbursement grants of up to 80 percent of training costs, with maximums of $4,000 per employee and $250,000 per business, to design and implement employer-led training programs that build a more skilled and competitive manufacturing workforce. Administered by Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and funded through a $4.7 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund (Iowa was one of 14 states to receive an award), AMP'D Iowa provides approximately $4.3 million in available funding statewide to reimburse Iowa advanced manufacturers for training newly hired or current employees. The program builds on Iowa's industry-led Manufacturing 4.0 initiative and is designed to help manufacturers close skilled labor gaps, create new pipelines of workers, accelerate upskilling, offset the high cost of training, and improve worker retention by aligning training with the technological needs of modern manufacturing. To qualify, employers must operate in Iowa's advanced manufacturing sector and train employees in eligible manufacturing occupations identified by the program. Priority funding is given to eligible small and medium-sized employers (with 0 to 499 employees), and reimbursement amounts are scaled based on employer size. Reimbursements are processed at two milestones: the first upon completion of the training program, and the second upon verified job retention with the employer for six months following training completion. To receive reimbursement, employers must formally agree to program and individual employee reporting requirements, document valid expenses, and verify training completions, credential attainment, and six-month employee retention. Applications are reviewed as they are received, on a rolling basis.

The HBCU Founders Accelerator is a customized 16-week intensive program, primarily conducted virtually. It commences with goal-setting discussions, the development of a work plan, and the identification of key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress. Throughout the program, each portfolio company is provided with dedicated executive-level support from paid advisors. With a cohort size of 8-10 startups, our accelerator seeks to create a collaborative environment to foster entrepreneurial success. We make an initial investment of $120,000 in each selected startup to help support their growth.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is offering a jobs program that refunds employers up to 10% of an employee’s net benefit rate for up to 10 years. Applicants in target industries must commit to creating 10 new direct jobs. New jobs are roles in qualifying industries that did not exist in the state in the prior six months. Employer compensation begins at 7% and increases to 10% once all 10 of the new roles are hired.

The Arkansas Workforce Development Grants provide Arkansas employers with reimbursement grants of up to $250,000 to fund training programs that develop the state's workforce, reduce gaps in worker skills, and support customized technical training. Administered by the Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD), the program makes strategic investments in Arkansas's workforce by helping local businesses provide cutting-edge, customized employee training. The umbrella program is currently offered through four grant pathways, each designed for different training needs and business circumstances. The Grow Our Own Grant is available to Arkansas businesses with 250 or fewer employees and reimburses up to 75 percent of allowable training expenses, with maximum funding of $250,000 per quarter. The grant is designed to help small and mid-sized Arkansas employers develop and upskill their existing workforce. The Customized Technical Grant supports highly technical training that is specific to or customized for a particular industry, skill, or type of equipment. This grant reimburses up to 75 percent of allowable training expenses, with maximum funding of $250,000 per fiscal year. The Skills Gap Grant addresses the growing gap between employer workforce needs and the skills of the current workforce, and is designed to target critical skill gaps across a particular region or industry rather than any one individual business. Because awards are not typically granted to individual businesses, funding levels are determined on a case-by-case basis rather than pre-set caps. The Professional Development Grant reimburses basic professional or academic training to help equip employees for success, including skills such as leadership, conflict resolution, and Microsoft Office. This grant reimburses companies for up to 50 percent of allowable training expenses, with maximum funding of $50,000 per fiscal year.

Vermont’s Farm & Forest Viability Program gives grants to program participants who’ve completed business or transfer plans. The grants range from $1,000 to $8,000 and can be used for business infrastructure construction, equipment, machinery upgrades, and energy efficiency projects.