MADISON, Wis. – Employers are now able to apply for the latest round of Wisconsin Fast Forward grants from the Department of Workforce Development (DWD). Up to $2 million in funding is available to employers who demonstrate a critical need for skilled workers and are seeking training grants to develop and implement a business-led skills training program.
The Fast Forward Program encourages the development of innovative solutions at the local and regional level to bring together employers, educators, workforce development entities, and economic development organizations to meet area workforce needs and increase the economic capacity of area residents.
“Now more than ever, employers are looking for new ways to attract and retain employees,” DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek said. “The Fast Forward program helps employers use customized training to develop hard skills in new and existing employees. At the same time, it connects trainees to industry-recognized credentials for long-term career growth.”
Details on who is eligible to apply, application deadlines, and award amounts are available in the Grant Program Announcement at: https://wisconsinfastforward.com/pdf/20230110-WFF-GPA-FF223.pdf.
Eligible applicants include the following:
• Public agencies.
• Private organizations in all industry sectors.
• Coalitions or partnerships of entities under the auspices of a public agency or a private organization.
• Tribal governing bodies of a federally recognized tribe or band of Native Americans, or an organization appointed by the tribal governing body.
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.
Grant awards range from $5,000 to $400,000 per grantee.
Over the past 10 years, the Wisconsin Fast Forward Program has provided 402 grants to organizations to train more than 31,296 workers. Learn more about the Wisconsin Fast Forward Program at: https://wisconsinfastforward.com/wff_standard.htm.

Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin’s diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker’s Compensation and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.