$2.24M SECURED TO SUPPORT SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN EMPLOYERS

Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren has secured $2.24M in competitive grants from the State of Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund to help 45 local employers enhance their workforce. The grants awarded provide funds to local employers for training, developing, and retaining employees.
 
“The Going PRO Talent Fund is still one of the most in-demand resources for Michigan employers,” said Michael Mompremier, Business Solutions Manager at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren. “Investing in training builds stronger talent, reinforces the backbone of our workforce, and supports the long-term health of our economy. We’re thrilled to help employers skill up more than 1,280 new employees, existing team members, and apprentices- without the added financial strain.”
 
There are many training programs eligible for funding, including classroom training, which prepares individuals with the skills required to meet employers’ needs and helps diversify the skill sets of current employees. In addition, employers can also receive onsite job training reimbursement for wages paid while training a new or existing employee on a new process, new technology, or new machines.
 
In collaboration with Michigan Works!, employers will work with training providers, such as Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MTTC), Lake Michigan College, and Southwestern Michigan College to deliver the training resulting from the grants.
 
Awardees of the recent cycle of Going PRO funds are: Abonmarche Consultants, Inc.; Ausco Products Inc.; Biggby Coffee of Bridgman; Bonnell Aluminum, LLC; Bronson Commons; Bronson South Haven Hospital; C&S Machine Products; C5 Electric; CHT USA Inc.; Colson Group – Albion; Colson Group - Three Oaks; Convergix Automation; Creative Foam; Creative Foam Corporation; DeGroot Inc.; Flamm Pickle & Packing Co.; Flowers Early Learning; Gaishin Manufacturing; Gaishin Manufacturing - Grand Rapids; GLCC Co.; Hanson International; Harloff Manufacturing Company; Health Elevated; Kay Manufacturing; Kenneth Smith Inc.; Lane Automotive; LECO Corporation; Little Bucks Childcare Center; McGuire's Maintenance and Preservation; McGuire's Professional Construction; MIDWEST DIE CORP; Modineer; Nova Stevensville; Paragon Tempered Glass; Primetals Technologies Benton Harbor; Ripple Effects Autism Learning Center; Spartan Tool; Spencer Manufacturing Inc.; Sunberry Paw Paw Beverages Limited LLC; Sunflower Therapy Centers; Susan L. Mayer LLC; The Inn at Harbor Shores; Tigmasters Inc.; Wierco LLC; and Youth Development Company / PAL.
 
Throughout 2025, the team at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren helped secure a total of $4.99M in competitive grants from the State of Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund to help 81 local employers enhance their workforce. There were seven industries supported and 2,710 employees trained with this funding.
 
Michigan Works! has additional resources to help employers develop trainings, support growth and hiring needs, and retain employees. The next cycle of Going PRO Talent Fund grant applications is slated to be released by the state in the spring. For more information about Going PRO, visit Michigan.gov or MiWorks.org/Training-Funds.
 
Michigan Works! of Berrien, Cass, Van Buren specializes in educating, training, and employing individuals of all ages. We work with local businesses to find out what keeps them up at night and help them tackle the most pressing challenges they may face, including attracting and retaining talent. For more information, visit www.miworks.org.