New Round of Fast Forward Grants Available

The next round of Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) grants are available and ready for employers looking for customized worker training grants. $8 million are available for nine different categories, including agriculture, a first for the WFF grant program.

“With this round, Wisconsin Fast Forward moves into high gear,” Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Reggie Newson said. “The amount available exceeds what we’ve awarded so far, and we are seeking, innovative collaborative proposals in nine categories that reflect Governor Walker’s vision in offering the Wisconsin Fast Forward initiative. Also new this round, we’re seeking proposals from employers in agriculture and their partners for customized worker training.”

DWD selected the occupational categories for the grants by analyzing worker labor market employment projections and immediate needs with DWD Labor economists, the Department of Revenue, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), and the Wisconsin Technical College System.

The WWF program recently helped train 100 new drivers by providing nearly $29,000 to Schneider, a trucking industry leader. The grant money helped support Schneider’s Highway Ready for Wisconsin Program.

Application deadlines for the different categories are:

  • September 23: Manufacturing Occupations, $5,000 to $400,000
  • September 30: Construction Trades and Related Occupations and Transportation, Logistics and Distribution Occupations, $5,000 to $400,000
  • October 7: Financial Services Occupations and Information Technology Occupations, $5,000 to $400,000
  • October 14: Customer Service Occupations, $5,000 to $400,000
  • October 21: Agriculture and Related Occupations and Health Care and Related Occupations, $5,000 to $400,000; and small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees, $5,000 to $50,000

For more information, head to the DWD website.