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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 20, 2026
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

Gov. Evers and DWD Announce New Worker Training Grant Opportunity

All employer sectors eligible to apply for Wisconsin Fast Forward funding

MADISON – Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), today announced that about $5 million in funding is available to Wisconsin employers through Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) grants. The grant program funds innovative local and regional solutions to assist employers in meeting their workforce training needs and continues building a strong workforce throughout the state.

"Strong communities are sustained through family-supporting jobs, and we're proud to continue this strategic workforce-building investment during the Year of the Neighbor in Wisconsin," said Gov. Evers. "Making sure Wisconsin is prepared to create jobs for the future has been a top priority for my administration, and we’re working to ensure we can fill in-demand jobs while giving folks the opportunity to increase their earnings and build their skills."

Employers of all sizes from all industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology, are eligible to apply. WFF grants reimburse the costs of customized occupational training for unemployed, underemployed, and existing workers and range from $5,000 to $400,000, or higher for consortium applicants. Workers receive training that qualifies them for full-time positions, higher-level roles, or increased wages through the grants.

"Fast Forward grants bolster Wisconsin's workforce, offering workers the opportunity to get skills they need to succeed and employers a pathway to attract, train, and retain highly skilled people for in-demand positions," said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek.

Eligible WFF applicants include:

Public agencies
Private organizations in all industry sectors
A consortium with the lead public or private organization serving as the applicant
Tribal governing bodies of a federally recognized tribe or band of Native Americans or an organization appointed by a tribal governing body

Applications are due by 3 p.m. Central Time Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.

Since the WFF program launched in 2013, more than $58 million in funding has been awarded to 516 projects to support the training of over 32,000 workers. For more information and application instructions, visit the Wisconsin Fast Forward Program website.

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.