The following is a list of federal programs that provide grants, loans, and technical assistance for economic development projects related to workforce development. See additional lists of other federal programs here.
Programs and their requirements are subject to change, so please check department websites for current information.
Area Development Program
Appalachian Regional Commission
Varies by State
The Area Development program provides grants to invest in two general areas within Appalachian communities: critical infrastructure and business and workforce development. Critical infrastructure investments mainly include water and wastewater systems, transportation networks, broadband, and other projects anchoring regional economic development. Business and workforce investments primarily focus on entrepreneurship, worker training and education, food systems, leadership, and other human capital development. All ARC Area Development grant proposals originate at the state level in consultation with the ARC state program manager.
Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative (POWER)
Appalachian Regional Commission
Application Deadline: April 17, 2024
The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative targets federal resources to help communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries due to the changing economics of America’s energy production. All POWER Initiative applications must address one or more of these goals: Building Appalachian Businesses, Building Appalachia’s Workforce Ecosystem, Building Appalachia’s Infrastructure, Building Regional Culture and Tourism, and Building Community Leaders and Capacity. Eligible applicants include local development districts (LDDs), Indian tribes, states, counties, cities, or other political subdivisions of a state, institutions of higher education, and public or private nonprofit organizations or associations.