IowaWORKS Mississippi Valley now is accepting applications for Retrain & Retain (R&R) Grants that offer up to 90% reimbursement for workforce training programs to eligible Iowa businesses.
That program was created in 2023. Businesses in Eastern Iowa – including in Scott, Clinton, and Muscatine counties – are served through the Mississippi Valley Workforce Development Board. Its role is to connect businesses and jobseekers with tools and support through IowaWORKS Centers in Davenport and Burlington. It also partners with other locations throughout the region.
Funding through the R&R program can be used for:
- Job-specific skills.
- Technical computer skills.
- Equipment operation.
- New manufacturing processes.
- Leadership, communication, and conflict resolution.
- Team management and supervisory training.
Training must lead to employees being retained or promoted and ideally, create opportunities for other workers to advance. Funds also can be used to avert a layoff.
About R&R program
Classes can come from public or private educational institutions, trade associations, community-based organizations, economic development agencies, unions and government agencies, the website said.
R&R training also can come from subject matter experts. It can be conducted at the business’ facility, the training provider’s facility, online or at a combination of sites.
Selected businesses are required to provide a portion of the training costs dependent upon the business’ size and number of employees. That can come either through direct cost contribution or in-kind contributions.
Another advantage of the R&R grant program, the news release, is that the applications are reviewed monthly. That makes it quick and efficient to get started.
Interested Eastern Iowa businesses are urged to fill out the Grant Interest Form and explore eligibility details here.
The Mississippi Valley Workforce Development Board serves as a central hub connecting job seekers, employers, and community partners across eight Iowa counties. Through IowaWORKS Centers in Davenport and Burlington and a network of affiliated locations, it helps businesses recruit, retain, and develop high-quality talent.
For more information and to apply, visit: mississippivalleyworkforce.org/grants. Or email Tyler Lanz at [email protected]
