Training Resources/Grants

Having a well trained and skilled workforce is extremely important in competing in today’s global economy. Fast paced technology and process changes require ongoing training to upgrade employees' skills. The following resources may help your company maintain its competitive advantage.

Customized Training
Sarasota County Technical Institute and Manatee Community College offer occupational-technical training programs that can be designed for individual businesses on an as-needed basis. Both of these training and education providers have worked to make classroom and on-the-job training within easy reach for most employees. Click here to request assistance with arranging an appointment with these institutions.

Training Grants
Training grants are available for Sarasota County businesses that meet certain criteria, including creating new, high-quality jobs and producing goods or services for markets outside of the county. The EDC can assist local businesses by arranging appointments with training providers such as the Sarasota County Technical Institute or Manatee Community College. Grant opportunities include:

Quick Response Training Grant (QRT)
The QRT program provides grant funding for customized training for new or expanding “for profit” businesses that require customized entry-level skills training not available at the local level. The program has been structured to be flexible and to “respond quickly” to meet the business’s training objectives. A local fiscal agent (i.e. community college, technical institute, or university) is selected and is available to help develop or deliver the customized program and to provide assistance in the application process. If the business already has a training program in place, the local training provider will supervise and manage the training program and serve as the fiscal agent for the grant funds. 

Incumbent Worker Training Grant (IWT)
The IWT program provides grant funding for customized training for existing for profit businesses. Businesses applying for an IWT grant must have been in operation in Florida for at least one year prior to application date, have at least one full-time employee, demonstrate financial viability, and be current on all state tax obligations. Funding priority is given to businesses with 25 or fewer employees. 

Employed Worker Training Grant (EWT)
The EWT program is administered by Jobs, ETC and provides short-term training to upgrade skills for employed workers in Manatee and Sarasota counties. The program coordinator meets with the company to assess training needs. In most cases, training can be customized, and employees can receive training on-site or at a local training institute. Examples of training include Leadership, Team Building, Customer Service, Microsoft Office Software, Work Place English or Spanish, Work Place Math or Industrial Math, ISO, and Forklift. Please note there is a maximum hourly wage limit for employees to qualify for this training grant.  Click here to request more information.