CareerEdge will open its annual application process for its Upskilling Workers grant funding on Tuesday, March 1, soliciting plans from manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, skilled trades, and automotive employers in Manatee and Sarasota Counties.

CareerEdge offers grant funding to eligible employers who will use the funding to increase employees’ skills, accelerate promotions, and provide wage increases for incumbent workers. Employers may request grants of $15,000 to $50,000 to implement training programs up to 18 months in duration, with employee wages and employment status reported for two years upon training completion. This funding supports employers who invest in their employees by way of training, resulting in earned industry-related credentials and/or occupational specific certificates. Since 2010, CareerEdge has invested more than $14 million in workforce development, resulting in more than 6,000 individuals trained in our community earning industry-recognized certifications and securing gainful employment.

To be eligible for this funding, employers must be a Sarasota Chamber member located in Sarasota or Manatee County; successfully submit a letter of interest to CareerEdge by March 15; and complete CareerEdge’s online grant application by April 15. Employers will be informed of their funding allotment by mid-May with the deployment of funds taking place on June 1, 2022.