Wisconsin Fast Forward – Industry Sectors Worker Training Grants

The Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) Industry Sectors Worker Training Grants program is a state-funded initiative designed to bolster Wisconsin’s workforce through targeted training that supports economic growth and employment advancement. Administered by the Office of Skills Development (OSD) within the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), this program is built upon a collaborative model that encourages partnerships among employers, educational institutions, workforce development boards, and other regional stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to create a pipeline of skilled workers ready to fill in-demand jobs across the state, contributing to stronger communities and sustained economic development. This funding opportunity seeks to support training projects tailored to employer needs, especially in sectors facing a shortage of skilled labor. Grants are intended to assist businesses and workforce partners in providing short- and medium-term training programs, no longer than 12 months per course, that lead to industry-recognized credentials, wage increases, and/or career advancement. Training may target unemployed individuals, underemployed workers, and incumbent employees. Preference is given to projects benefiting economically disadvantaged individuals and special populations, including justice-involved individuals, Indigenous communities, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and recipients of public assistance programs. The grant provides awards ranging from $5,000 to $400,000 per grantee. If a lead organization is applying on behalf of a consortium of placement partners, they may request funding above $400,000. A 50% match—either cash or in-kind—is required for all awards. Funds may be used for curriculum development, instructor salaries, contractual services, tuition, and training supplies. Restrictions apply to capital expenses, trainee wages, and activities outside the grant period. Notably, up to 10% of the award may be used for administrative costs, and only 15% of funds may support soft-skills training. Applications must be submitted online by 3:00 PM CST on February 18, 2026. A signed letter of commitment from each participating employer is required, outlining their intent to hire or upskill trainees, match funding contribution, and agreement to share post-training employment data. Eligible applicants include public agencies, private organizations, and consortiums with demonstrated financial viability and compliance with all state and federal obligations. Organizations must not have recent violations of labor, tax, or compliance laws and must complete a pre-award risk assessment. Evaluation criteria are based on demonstrated project need, capacity building, economic impact, promotion of equity and economic opportunity, training outcomes, and the design and cost-effectiveness of the proposed program. Scoring is out of 100 points, and only proposals scoring 50 or above will be considered. Awardees must finalize contracts by April 30, 2026, and begin implementation within 90 days. The grant period can last up to two years, and reimbursements are managed through the COMET system on a cost-reimbursement basis. Grantees are required to report training results regularly, including placement data, wage increases, and credential attainment. The final 2% of awarded funds will only be disbursed upon completion of all contract deliverables. All training content developed using grant funds becomes the property of DWD. More information, including webinars and application instructions, is available at wisconsinfastforward.com.

Preference for equity-focused training and industry-recognized credentials. Emphasize partnerships and wage outcomes.