The Texas Workforce Commission exists to connect employers with resources that help them recruit, train, and retain talent. These aren’t one-size-fits-all programs—they’re designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses across Texas industries. TWC works closely with economic development both at the state and local level to talk about what a business is going to need in order to be successful and how a community can provide success.

Some highlights include:

• Skills Development Fund: This flagship program helps employers develop customized training for their current or new workforce. It’s ideal for companies looking to upskill their employees in collaboration with a local community or technical college.
• Texas Industry Partnership Program (TIP): Aimed at economic development and workforce preparedness, TIP provides funding for high-demand, high-growth industries like manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and energy.
• Self-Sufficiency Fund: This program helps businesses provide training for individuals transitioning off public assistance, giving them the skills they need to secure stable, meaningful work.
• Texas Talent Connection Grant: This grant supports innovative education and workforce training programs, especially those that bridge skills gaps and align with employer needs.

York and Ballast emphasize that these programs aren’t just helpful—they’re also built to be accessible. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to explore what might be a fit. In many cases, employers are surprised by how much support they’re eligible to receive.

Why This Matters

For employers struggling to find skilled labor—or invest in the development of existing talent—these programs can be a game-changer. Not only do they offset the costs of training, but they also help build a pipeline of qualified, Texas-based workers. That’s a win-win for both companies and communities.

Mary York explains how businesses don’t have to go it alone: TWC and local workforce boards can act as navigators, helping employers figure out which programs make the most sense and guiding them through the application and implementation process.

The Power of Partnership

One theme that runs throughout this conversation is the importance of collaboration. From colleges and training providers to economic development offices and local workforce boards, the success of these programs depends on employers being willing to partner and engage.

Kerry Ballast shares real-world examples of how companies have used grants to reskill workers for advanced manufacturing roles, launch internships, and retain employees by investing in their long-term growth.

Employers who proactively take advantage of these opportunities aren’t just improving their own talent pipeline—they’re also contributing to the strength and resilience of Texas’s overall workforce ecosystem.

Where to Start

For employers ready to explore what’s available, York and Ballast recommend starting with your local workforce development board or visiting the Texas Workforce Commission’s website and clicking the tab that says programs, which will pull up all the different grant opportunities.

TWC staff are ready to walk you through eligibility, help match your business needs to the right program, and connect you with the right training providers.

As Texas continues to grow as a top destination for business, the need for a skilled, adaptable workforce is more important than ever. With support from the Texas Workforce Commission, employers have a competitive edge—not just in hiring talent, but in developing it.

Workforce Grants and Programs for Employers is a must-listen for any business leader looking to invest in their team and future-proof their workforce.