LANSING — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has released a competitive Request for Proposals to support the development of new, or the enhancement of existing, employer-led collaboratives throughout the state. $4.7 million in grant awards are available to organizations through the Sector Strategies Employer-Led Collaborative initiative.

An employer-led collaborative is a group of businesses coming together to solve a common or shared workforce problem. Employer-led collaboratives bring together employers, education and training institutions, workforce development organizations and other applicable partners, such as economic development organizations and government, to create solutions to fill identified talent gaps.

“These grants will fund innovative solutions that support Governor Whitmer’s MI New Economy plan, creating more opportunities for Michiganders to develop high-wage skills and helping the state’s employers address critical talent shortages,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “Workers will receive the training and support they need to secure a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities.”

Successful applicants should focus on priority occupations that support the federal government’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  Priority will be given to occupations in the fields of construction and extraction; installation, maintenance and repair; production; and transportation and material moving. Proposals from other key industries in Michigan with a focus on agri-business; energy; healthcare; information technology; manufacturing (outside of automobile and mobility) and outdoor recreation/hospitality are also eligible to apply. The LEO anticipates funding 10-20 awardees with one-time grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000.

“Michigan employers are faced with a wide variety of workforce issues, including talent recruitment, creating customized training programs and providing support services such as transportation and childcare,” said LEO’s Office of Employment and Training Director Stephanie Beckhorn. “The employer-led collaborative approach has demonstrated effectiveness in addressing those issues. And while it supports the growth of our state’s businesses, it also creates new and better career opportunities for Michigan workers.”

There are currently more than 60 formally identified employer-led collaboratives throughout Michigan. The LEO creates statewide policy and provides technical assistance to support the activities of employer-led collaboratives.

Request for Proposal submissions are due by Monday, May 8, with awards announced on June 23.

To assist applicants in completing their proposal submissions,  the LEO will hold an informational webinar on Friday, April 14 at 9 a.m. Potential grant applicants can register to attend the webinar and learn more about this RFP opportunity by visiting Michigan.gov/MICA.