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Workforce Training Fund Program - Express Program

COMMONWEALTH CORPORATION FOUNDATION

Funding Amount

Up to $15,000 per business per calendar year (100% reimbursement for employers with 1-50 MA employees; up to 100% for employers with 51-100 MA employees as of April 1, 2026)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Workforce Training Fund Program - Express Program

Funder: Commonwealth Corporation Foundation (MA, US)

Geographic Scope: Massachusetts

Focus Areas: Just-in-time, off-the-shelf workforce training courses including ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) training

Program Description:
The Express Program provides quick pre-approval and reimbursement for workforce training courses. It is designed for small businesses in Massachusetts that need to quickly train employees.

Key Details:

  • Maximum Award: $15,000 per business per calendar year (January 1 - December 31)

  • Reimbursement Rates (as of April 1, 2026):

  • - Up to 100% reimbursement for organizations with 1-50 MA W-2 employees
    - Up to 100% reimbursement for organizations with 51-100 MA W-2 employees (increased from 50% as of April 1, 2026)
    - Up to $3,000 per person, per course
  • Subsidy Cap: $300 per instructional hour per course

  • Eligibility: Small businesses with up to 100 MA W-2 employees at time of application
  • Special Features:

  • Pre-approved courses available on Express Course Directory

  • Quick processing and reimbursement after training concludes

  • ESOL training exclusions permitted under certain conditions

  • As of April 1, 2026, eligible employers may participate in both Express and General Programs simultaneously
  • What They Don't Fund:

  • Instructional costs exceeding $300 per hour (businesses responsible for costs above cap)

  • Businesses with over 100 MA employees (should apply for General Program instead)
  • Background:
    Commmonwealth Corporation is a quasi-public agency established in 1996 under the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

    Contact: WTFP Support via Freshdesk

    Policy Updates: As of April 1, 2026, reimbursement rate for employers with 51-100 MA employees increased from 50% to 100% reimbursement.

    How to Apply

    How to Apply for Express Program

    Application Process:
    1. Apply through the Express Program application portal
    2. Select pre-approved courses from the Express Course Directory
    3. Submit application for pre-approval
    4. Upon approval, enroll employees in training
    5. Complete training
    6. Submit reimbursement request after training concludes
    7. Receive reimbursement

    Required Materials:

  • Business information (W-2 employee count in Massachusetts)

  • Selected pre-approved course(s) from Express Course Directory

  • Training provider details

  • Employee enrollment information

  • Training completion documentation
  • Application Format:
    Online portal submission

    Support Resources Available:

  • Freshdesk FAQ Knowledge Bank

  • Express Program One Pager with Examples

  • Express Program Subsidy Estimator (tool to estimate reimbursement eligibility)

  • Contact support via Freshdesk to submit questions/tickets
  • Key Considerations:

  • Employer size (MA W-2 employees) determines reimbursement rate

  • Reimbursement calculated per course, per trainee

  • $300 per instructional hour cap applies

  • Courses must be on pre-approved Express Course Directory
  • Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    small-businessesworkforce-development

    Categories

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