Incumbent Worker Training Grant (IWT) Program

Business applicants identify a short-term training need for employed workers in in-demand skill areas to increase the businesses’ competitiveness, avert potential layoffs and/or backfill workers for existing Monroe County businesses.

The IWT grant offers Monroe County businesses up to 90% matching reimbursement for preapproved, training-related costs, up to a maximum of $10,000, for training activities that must be completed within six (6) months. Companies are limited to one (1) IWT grant per program year, which runs July 1–June 30

• Private sector for-profit or not-for-profit organizations with jobsites in Monroe County may apply. Government entities are not eligible for funding through the IWT grant.
• Applicants for IWT funds must be the employer of record of the workers to be trained.
• Applicants must comply with New York State Labor Law.

Allowable, reimbursable training-related costs may include training/course cost; instructor fees; and test/exam fees, if a credential is the intended outcome of the training, and there is a required exam fee to be paid as part of training completion.

• Government mandated training or mandatory safety training, i.e., CPR, First Aid, OSHA, Sexual Harassment, etc.
• New hire orientation or new hire on-the-job training.
• English as a Second Language unless part of an integrated education and training program, as defined at WIOA Sec. 203(11).
• Team building activities or personality assessments.
• Curriculum development.
• Coursework towards Bachelor’s, Master’s, or other post-secondary degree programs.
• Any activities determined to be business consulting, e.g., strategic planning or coaching.

Contact RochesterWorks Business Services Team to discuss your training needs and eligibility. Applications for the IWT grant will be accepted on a continuous basis until funding is exhausted. Selection will depend on available funding and successful completion of the application process.

Please note: Please submit paperwork a minimum of 30 days prior to the anticipated start of the training program. Individuals cannot start the training program until your business has been notified of and approved for reimbursement through the IWT grant.