Ohio Workforce Guarantee Program

The link below will take you to the Ohio Department of Development's online Request for Assistance application. OWG Regional Workforce Directors are located at the Governor's Regional Economic Development Offices located around the State and are ready to provide free assistance in preparing your application. Feel free to contact them as you have questions. The Department does not provide funding for consultant services used in preparing an application. Regional Workforce Directors also provide information on eligible training activities and local training providers and assist with invoicing and payments. All applications are reviewed and approved by the assigned director before the application is sent to our central office in Columbus.

The Ohio Workforce Guarantee Program (OWG) supports companies that are making investments in facilities, equipment and training that result in the retention and creation of jobs for Ohioans. The OWG is one of the few programs in Ohio that provides direct financial support to employers for training. Employers have the ability to choose the training provider whether it is a company employee or an outside training provider. The OWG pays for a portion of instructor salaries, materials, travel and special needs. Payments are made on a reimbursement basis. Most types of training associated with an investment project are eligible.

The amount of the grant is based on the training activities and costs identified in this application. When an application is approved, the Department and the company will enter into a legal contract. OWG commitments which have been made through a Commitment Letter issued by the Director of the Ohio Department of Development or through a Request for Assistance Application represent a potential up-to amount of OWG funding. Projects which are for $30,000 or more generally receive partial funding initially. Additional funds are added to the grant through amending the OWG contract. Additional funds will be added as the company meets job and investment projections and 75% of the initial grant funds have been reimbursed. Companies that fail to make significant progress toward their job creation, retention, training and capital investment commitments of a project may only be able to draw down a proportionate share of their training grant funds (i.e. 30% of the commitment will equate to no more than 30% of the grant funds).

- Ohio Workforce Guarantee Program Request For Assistance

Note: OWG (Ohio Workforce Guarantee) formerly known as OITP (Ohio Investment Training Program)