Idaho Workforce Development Council: Innovation Grant

The Idaho Workforce Development Council's Innovation Grant supports projects that enhance the workforce pipeline in Idaho. By utilizing diverse funding sources, the grant aims to improve economic mobility through targeted training initiatives. Eligible applicants must be community-based teams in Idaho, focused on addressing local skill gaps and fostering job creation. This strategic investment promotes innovation and best practices in talent development, ultimately contributing to the state's economic growth and workforce retention.

NOTE: It is highly recommended to submit applications as soon as possible, as applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis.
Utilizing state, federal, and private funds, the Workforce Development Council finances projects that improve the vitality of Idaho’s economy. This strategic investment creates powerful results that increase the economic mobility of Idahoans, support growth of the economy, and develop Idaho’s workforce pipeline through training initiatives that serve multiple employers and industries.
Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF) Goals:

• Economic Mobility
• Increase the economic mobility of Idahoans through training that leads to wage gains and retention.
• Innovation
• Promote innovation in talent development.
• Best Practices
• Encourage replication of best practices in talent pipeline development.
• Service to Employers
• Provide timely assistance to businesses while shifting focus to broader talent pipeline development strategies that serve multiple employers.
• Economic Growth

Support growth of the economy by assisting employers with job creation and integration of technology, specifically through the development of skills in their existing and/or new employees.
Return on Investment
Provide a return on investment to Idahoans as evidenced by increased wages, job creation, capital investment, retention of Idaho’s workforce, credential attainment, and/or customer satisfaction (employer and trainee).
Innovation Grants
Innovation grants can fund projects that address local workforce development needs. Projects may provide skills training to individuals and/or assist individuals with connecting to careers.
New or enhanced training must address specific employer-identified skills gaps in the community; training cannot supplant or compete with current training opportunities.Training may include work-based learning opportunities, classroom training, or virtual training that addresses the skill gaps identified by employers in the community.Assisting individuals to connect to careers may include providing information and outreach on career education and workforce training opportunities and/or soft skill development.

Eligibility

The lead applicant must represent a community-based team with representation and support from business, education and other community partners as an ideal partnership.The lead applicant must be an entity physically located in the State of Idaho with the fiscal capacity to track funds and safeguard spending.