Rapid Response Advance Grant

Does Your Business Have Immediate Training Needs?

The Rapid Response Advance Grant allows businesses to partner with their local CTC on projects to address the state’s workforce needs, including:

  • Pre-Employment Programs
  • Pre-Preparation Programs
  • Skills Upgrades
  • New & Expanding Companies’ Urgent Needs
  • Job Retention

Workforce Development Success

Award Amounts and Deadlines:

  • Awards are typically capped at $220,000 per project.  There is no minimum award.
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year until funding is exhausted.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applications must be submitted by any of West Virginia’s 9 public community and technical colleges.
  • Individuals may not apply directly.
  • Applications must be submitted by authorized submitters using the Council’s FastTrack grant management system.
  • Projects may be funded for a period not to exceed three years from the date of award.
  • Approved grants fund the development and delivery of customized training programs to support the needs of business and industry.  Grants may also be used for equipment upgrades for programs that meet a defined labor market demand.
  • Applications must include:
    • a clear description of program goals and purpose, including what the program will accomplish, the industries or sectors it supports, and the workforce demand it addresses.
    • participant information: the number of students or trainees expected to participate, along with anticipated job placement rates and wage outcomes after completion.
    • information on both public and private partners involved in the project, including any collaboration with local schools or career and technical education programs.
    • implementation details: a detailed work plan, project budget, and plan for evaluating program progress and outcomes.
      letters of commitment from partners confirming the amount of any matching funds they will provide, if applicable.

Reporting Requirements:

  • All recipients are required to submit an annual monitoring report and a closeout report at the end of the project’s obligation period.  Each report will include information on actual expenditures and progress toward meeting performance outcomes defined in the grant application.