Business Development

Employee Training

Commerce has two types of training programs

Customized Labor Training (CLT)
First authorized in 1983, the CLT program can provide grants to help cover a portion of the costs associated with training employees on new technologies, industrial skills or manufacturing processes. Given the high demand for these grant funds, eligibility is typically limited to those companies that are making capital investments new technologies that subsequently necessitate the training of existing or new employees. To be eligible, the training must be provided in a classroom setting or on the shop floor during periods of non-production. Costs associated with orientation, basic skills, and on-the-job training are not eligible. For additional information on the CLT program, click here.

Business Employees Skills Training (BEST)
The Business Employees' Skills Training (BEST) program was established by the Wisconsin Legislature to help small businesses (less than 25 employees) upgrade the skills of their workforce. Under the BEST program, Commerce can provide applicants with a grant to cover a portion of the course fees or tuition costs associated with employee training. To be eligible, the training must have a direct and positive impact upon the employees ability to carry out his or her work assignment. For more information on the BEST program, click here.