The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has awarded $25 million in the latest round of Going PRO Talent Fund grants to 449 businesses to support the training of 12,822 Michigan workers, including $1 million to 27 businesses in the Upper Peninsula.
This regional investment will support the training of 176 new hires and 430 current employees in high-demand, skilled positions.
Including this grant cycle, the Going PRO Talent Fund has awarded $323.4 million to support 8,966 businesses since its launch in 2014, helping more than 241,600 Michigan workers train, upskill or advance in high-skill careers.
“Going PRO Talent Fund creates real, long-term pathways to opportunity for people across Michigan,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “When workers earn industry-recognized skills, they’re gaining the foundation for a meaningful career that can support a family and open new doors over time. When employers strengthen their teams with highly trained talent, they’re better positioned to grow, innovate and compete. This is how we build a stronger workforce and a stronger Michigan.”
The Talent Fund helps local businesses access skilled talent while offering Michigan workers a clear pathway to high-wage, high-demand careers that improve quality of life. Workers who complete training supported by the Talent Fund see an average hourly wage increase of 6.2%.
“The Going PRO Talent Fund supports the people and businesses that keep the U.P. moving,” said Senator Ed McBroom. “By helping employers provide targeted training to their workforce, residents gain the skills they need to build rewarding careers close to home. This funding strengthens our local talent pipeline, keeps young people in the U.P. and creates opportunities for families to grow and succeed. It’s a meaningful investment in our communities and the long-term future of the region.”
The Going PRO Talent Fund supports a range of employer-led training options, including classroom instruction, on-the-job training for new employees and Registered Apprenticeships that lead to industry-recognized credentials.
“The State of Michigan gets it right with this funding. The Going PRO Talent Fund empowers employers to invest in high-quality training that boosts productivity, supports employee growth, and drives long-term success,” said Debb Brunell, CEO of Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!. “These awards are more than just numbers – they represent real opportunities for businesses to thrive and for workers to build sustainable careers. This program is a win-win.”
A full list of the Upper Peninsula’s grant recipients for the 2026 fiscal year is posted below.
Advanced Blending Solutions -Wallace Wallace Menominee County $ 78,140.00
Aspirus Ironwood Hospital Ironwood Gogebic County $ 25,000.00
Billerud – Escanaba Escanaba Delta County $ 119,780.77
Cloverland Electric CooperativeDafter Dafter Chippewa County $ 47,000.00
Cloverland Electric CooperativeDe Tour Village De Tour Village Chippewa County $ 4,900.00
Cloverland Electric CooperativeManistique Manistique Mackinac County $ 4,900.00
Cloverland Electric CooperativeNewberry Newberry Luce County $ 5,200.00
Cloverland Electric Cooperative Sault Ste. Marie Sault Sainte Marie Chippewa County $ 26,000.00
Coleman Engineering Company -Iron Mountain Iron Mountain Dickinson County $ 35,110.00
Coleman Engineering Company -Ironwood Ironwood Gogebic County $ 43,534.00
Eagle Mine – Champion Champion Marquette County $ 59,110.00
Erico Electric, Inc. – Hancock Hancock Houghton County $ 38,500.00
GS Engineering – Houghton Houghton Houghton County $ 59,710.00
Ironwood Plastics Ironwood Gogebic County $ 3,500.00
Jacquart Fabric Products -Ironwood Ironwood Gogebic County $ 20,000.00
L’Anse Manufacturing:Lanse Lanse Baraga County $ 29,049.99
Mukavitz Heating, Inc Ironwood Gogebic County $ 16,000.00
NORTHERN WINGS -NEWBERRY FACILITY Newberry Luce County $ 27,000.00
Orbion Space Technology: Houghton Houghton Houghton County $ 49,500.00
Pike Distributors Inc Gladstone Delta County $ 21,000.00
Pike Transport Inc Gladstone Delta County $ 22,000.00
PotlatchDeltic Land and Lumber, LLC Gwinn Marquette County $ 24,184.00
St Francis Hospital – Escanaba Escanaba Delta County $ 45,340.00
ThermoAnalytics: Calumet Calumet Houghton County $ 26,000.00
UP Health System- Bell -Ishpeming Ishpeming Marquette County $ 52,500.00
Up Health System- Marquette -Marquette Marquette Marquette County $ 105,000.00
UP Health System- PortageHancock Hancock Houghton County $ 52,500.00
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