It’s the most wonderful time of the year: the holidays! We all have many things to be thankful for this year—and one of them is access to state and federal help for employers in 2021.
Did you know that CARES Act money still exists for hiring new employees? Did you know that the U.S. Department of Labor still has funding available for hiring new employees? You can access and take advantage of these programs through your local workforce development groups (WDGs).
Here in Maryland, for example, OfficePro works with three different workforce development groups that have access to this funding. Each workforce development group creates its own programs.
Here are a few examples of what’s happening in Maryland. Similar opportunities are likely available in your state as well …
Employ Prince George’s Program
If your business is located in Prince George’s County, MD, and you hire a full-time employee who is currently unemployed and a Prince George’s County resident, then Employ Prince George’s will give you an upfront grant of $15,000. To gain access to this funding, the employee needs to be unemployed before working for you—and they must remain employed with your company as a W2 worker for a minimum of three months.
Anne Arundel County Workforce Development (AAWDC) Program
If your business is located in Anne Arundel County, and you hire a full-time employee through this program who is also currently an Anne Arundel County resident, then you will be paid $10,000. If you hire someone who is a Maryland resident, then you will be paid $5,000.
Also, Anne Arundel County has an internship/on-the-job training program! You can hire someone to work for you for up to 300 hours at $11.75/hour, and Anne Arundel County will pay their salary.
To give you an example, I hired an intern who is currently in Montgomery County’s high school vocational program. Anne Arundel County Workforce Development is paying him to learn for up to 300 hours while he completes his internship. At the end of the 300 hours, I can either end the internship or hire the intern full time. If I hire him full time, then he will join my payroll instead of Anne Arundel County Workforce Development’s payroll. It’s important to note: Because the intern participated in this program, he does not qualify for any other programs.
WorkSource Montgomery Program
With this program, businesses are funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which lets employers hire and train skilled workers and then be reimbursed for their efforts.
If you’re hiring, be sure to check with your local workforce development group. Depending on the circumstance, you may be able to access CARES Act money or U.S. Department of Labor funds to offset the cost of hiring, training, and onboarding. Questions? Send me a note.
Aaron Udler is the owner of OfficePro, an NSCA Business Accelerator.