Business Solutions Customized Training Program

Businesses had to propose the training type and expected benefit of the program to receive a grant. Depending on the business, the trainings could range from 12 weeks to one year. The trainings included on-the-job training to improve employees’ productive work skills and education skills, such as reading, math, and English as a second language.

Priority was given to businesses that focused on training their lowest-wage workers. The business had to pay for 30 to 40 percent of the cost of the training. In addition, the employer had to commit to providing a wage increase to more than half of the newly trained employees. Participants in the training program had to make $15 or less per hour before joining the program and be able to work full time after completing the training. The program took place in New York City, NY.