As part of its work to develop an Economy for All, Wisconsin had the vision to tackle targeted workforce needs in a variety of areas, including transportation, education, health care, and housing, among others. The Workforce Innovation Grant Program harnessed the power of creativity, regional collaboration, and innovative solutions to longtime local workforce needs.

The grants encouraged development of leading-edge, long-term solutions enabling businesses and institutions to find ways to connect people to resources that meet communities’ needs, support businesses’ hiring goals, and help people find family-supporting careers more easily. Offered in partnership by WEDC and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the program awarded a total of $128 million to 27 projects.

Explore the Wisconsin Innovation Grant (WIG) Reports

A student and a teacher look at a laptop.

Building the Future, One Teacher at a Time

Workforce Innovation Grants propel solutions to the teacher shortage Download Report
A Madison bus (image source: CityofMadison.com/metro)

Workforce Transportation

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Career Pathways

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Two nurses at a hospital.

Health Service Workforce

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A thinkability student.

Barriers to Entry

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Paige Peters of Rapid Radicals

Entrepreneurship

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A student and a teacher look at a laptop.

Child Care

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The Broadway Lofts and Townhomes in Monona, WI. Image from WHEDA.

Workforce Housing

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The Workforce Innovation Grant Program rewards creativity, promotes sustainable regional collaboration, and fosters local accountability and participation to address regional workforce challenges. A joint effort between WEDC and the Department of Workforce Development, the program provides each grant recipient up to $10 million in funding to help make their workforce solution plans a reality.

ADDITIONAL WORKFORCE INITIATIVES

The Workforce Innovation Grant Program is just one way the state of Wisconsin is working to solve some of the most important challenges in your region. Wisconsin’s more than $128 million commitment to developing workforce solutions also includes two additional programs:

  • The Worker Advancement Initiative offers subsidized employment and skills training opportunities with local employers.
  • The Worker Connection Program provides support for individuals attempting to reengage in the workforce and expand their opportunities in the post-pandemic economy.