There’s more grant and loan dollars floating around for workforce assistance than at any time in the history of our state. Many of these programs struggle to deploy those dollars because so few come to the table. One of those programs that goes wanting is one that requires something we should be able to do quite easily….create a sector partnership, and ask collectively for assistance toward a common goal.

Consider the businesses who are making our plastics and resins, those who are engineering biomedical devices, the trades, etc.

2.5 million in funds is available this round for those private businesses who can bring some of their suppliers or even competitors to the table to discuss common needs.

The Ohio Industry Sector Partnership Grant is open to applications from both existing and emerging partnerships. Applicants may choose to apply to either the Spark Grant or the Accelerant Grant.

Spark Grant

The Spark Grant is designed to provide “seed funding” for emerging sector partnerships to fund startup activities and become self-sustaining.

Minimum Award: $50,000
Maximum Award: $100,000

Each awardee will receive 50% of the total award immediately upon notification of award. The remaining 50% of the award will be available to partnerships as a two to one match for funds raised ($2 of the grant award for every $1 raised).

Accelerant Grant

The Accelerant grant is designed to invigorate the work being done by existing sector partnerships, expanding both reach and impact.

Minimum Award: $50,000
Maximum Award: $250,000

All funds will be available to partnerships as a two to one match for funds raised ($2 of grant award for every $1 raised).

To read more about the programs I speak of check out the link below

https://workforce.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/workforce/initiatives/initiatives/isp/award-amounts/