Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund
The Express Grant, explained for small Massachusetts employers
The Workforce Training Fund Express Grant reimburses Massachusetts employers with 100 or fewer W-2 employees for approved employee training — up to $3,000 per employee per approved course and up to $15,000 per company per year. It is funded by the Commonwealth and administered by Commonwealth Corporation. This guide covers eligibility, amounts, the application steps and how live AI training fits.
$3,000
per employee, per approved course
$15,000
per company, per calendar year
100
or fewer W-2 employees to qualify
Who qualifies
- Based in Massachusetts (for-profit or nonprofit)
- 100 or fewer W-2 employees, including owners on payroll
- Current on Unemployment Insurance contributions
- Training delivered by an approved Express Program provider
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you're a Massachusetts employer with 100 or fewer W-2 employees and current on UI contributions. We confirm this on a 30-minute call.
- 2
Choose courses and employees
Pick which of the five AI4BIZ courses each employee attends. We map this to the reimbursement caps so nothing is left on the table.
- 3
Submit the application
The application goes to Commonwealth Corporation before training starts. We provide the course codes, provider details and cost breakdown you need.
- 4
Attend the live training
Employees attend the live online cohort. Attendance records are kept for your reimbursement file.
- 5
Submit for reimbursement
After completion, submit the required documentation and receive reimbursement of up to $15,000 per company per year.
Does AI training qualify?
Yes — when it is delivered live by an approved provider. AI4BIZ Academy runs five live, instructor-led courses built for owners and staff of small Massachusetts businesses: using AI to generate leads, to speed up daily operations, to standardize customer communication, to document and delegate work, and to plan growth. Industry-specific versions exist for restaurants, salons and spas, home improvement and trades, and professional services.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Express Grant?
It is a Commonwealth of Massachusetts program, administered by Commonwealth Corporation, that reimburses small employers for approved employee training. Businesses pay the training provider and are reimbursed after the training is completed.
Who is eligible for the Express Grant?
Massachusetts for-profit and nonprofit employers with 100 or fewer W-2 employees, that are current on Unemployment Insurance contributions. Owners on payroll count as employees.
How much funding can a business receive?
Up to $3,000 per employee per approved course, and up to $15,000 per company per calendar year.
Does AI training qualify for the Express Grant?
Yes, when it is delivered by an approved provider from the Express Program Course Directory. AI4BIZ Academy's live, instructor-led AI courses are delivered as approved training.
How long does approval take?
Applications generally take two to three weeks to process, so paperwork should be started well before your target cohort start date.
Do I pay anything up front?
The grant is a reimbursement program, so the employer pays for training and is reimbursed after completion and submission of required documentation. We walk you through each step on the eligibility call.
Can part-time employees be trained?
W-2 employees are eligible, including part-time staff. Independent contractors and 1099 workers are not.
Find out what your team qualifies for.
One 30-minute call. We confirm eligibility, map your courses and start the paperwork.
Claim Your Funding