Workforce Development Capital Grant Program

Workforce Development Capital Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Empire State Development
Amount: US $100,000 - US $3,000,000
Last Updated: March 04, 2026

Summary

The Workforce Development Capital Grant Program provides up to $35 million in funding to enhance workforce training capabilities in New York. This initiative supports training providers aiming to modernize facilities and purchase necessary equipment to deliver industry-recognized credentials. With awards ranging from $100,000 to $3 million, the program focuses on responsiveness to industry needs, increasing workforce participation, and improving training for underserved populations.

Overview

NOTE: Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Objective The Workforce Development Capital Grant Program will support the capital needs of workforce training providers that seek to enhance or expand their offerings. The Program is open to training programs offering industry-recognized credentials and certificates in high-demand-fields by helping trainers make capital investments crucial to industry-driven workforce training.  Priority Industries: Advanced Manufacturing and MaterialsBiotech and Life SciencesCleantech and Renewable EnergyConstructionElectronics and Optics, Photonics, and Imaging (OPI)Film and Television Production and Post-ProductionSoftware and Digital Media Applicants can apply for funding to be used for modernization of existing training centers, building new facilities, or to purchase machinery and/or equipment for workforce training. Overview $35 million is available through the Workforce Development Capital Grant Program to support the capital needs of workforce training providers that seek to enhance or expand their offerings. Awards ranging from $100,000 to $3 million will be available for projects that help achieve the following: Responsiveness to industry needs and workforce challenges;Support growing industries in New York by increasing the qualified workforce available through training programs created in partnership with industry;Ensure workers of all skill levels, socioeconomic groups, racial and ethnic groups, gender identities and expressions, and geographies have opportunities to participate and progress in the labor force;Increase the capacity of workforce training providers with a proven track record of results-oriented workforce training and fostering opportunity for underserved populations; andImprovements in data collection and impact tracking across funded programs. ESD may provide up to fifty percent (50%) of total project cost. Preference will be given to applicants leveraging more than the minimum fifty percent (50%) of the project cost from additional sources.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible applicants include: Community-based organizations Not-for-profit organizations Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations Certain Governmental Organizations (such as workforce development boards, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), municipalities, etc.) Higher educational institutions (public or private four-year colleges/universities, or two-year technical/community colleges) Career & technical education providers Organized labor training programs For-profit training providers Applicants will be required to complete the Consolidated Funding Application to apply.