The New York State Department of Labor has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) for the ADVANCE-NY training grant – formerly Building Skills in New York State (BUSINYS) – for businesses to upgrade the skills of their current workforce. Under the ADVANCE-NY grant, companies located in NYS can access up to $50,000 in funds per year (with a lifetime maximum of $100,000) to offer training to their employees. There is currently no deadline for this grant and applications are being accepted on a rolling basis, however, businesses are encouraged to apply early for the best chance at accessing funds.

These training funds can be used to upgrade the skills of employees in any industry and in any job category.  Businesses are only eligible to receive one ADVANCE-NY award at a time. Applicants that have received prior funding and have not exceeded the $100,000 lifetime maximum may not reapply for funding until all prior and/or current training contracts are closed, all vouchers have been submitted and paid, reporting requirements have been met and at least six months have elapsed. Additionally, applicants are limited to an annual maximum of $50,000. Click the following link for the electronic application: https://www.workforcenewyork.com/rfa25-m/rfa25m.htm.

Applicants may submit questions via email (onestop@labor.state.ny.us), fax (518-485-2577) or by mail to the address provided below. Questions regarding this RFA will be accepted continuously. No telephone inquiries will be accepted. All inquiries should include the following reference: RFA #25-M, ADVANCE-NY. Answers to all questions will be posted on the Workforce New York web site (http://www.workforcenewyork.com/) on an ongoing basis. Prospective applicants may obtain a hard copy of the questions and answers upon request.

If you are a Brooklyn-based business owner and need assistance with the application process, contact Jeanette G. Nigro, vice president of workforce and training at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, by phone at 718-875-1000 ext. 114, or via email at jnigro@brooklynchamber.com.