CareerEdge will open its annual request for proposal (RFP) process on Monday, March 22^, soliciting plans from manufacturing, healthcare, insurance skilled trades and construction employers in Manatee and Sarasota counties. CareerEdge is seeking grant applications that show a business will use funding, upon approval, to increase skills and accelerate promotions for incumbent workers while increasing job creation.  Over the past 11 years, CareerEdge has co-invested nearly $13.2 million in grants to businesses, which was matched by employer investments and other funders.

Employers may request grants of $15,000 to $50,000 to implement training programs up to 12 months in duration, with employee wages reported for two years upon training completion. Interested businesses must submit a letter of intent by Thursday, April 20, at 5 p.m. to [email protected].  Those selected to apply for funding will be notified by mid-May. For more information, click here.