Skills Enhancement Fund


The Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF) provides financial assistance to businesses committed to training their workforce. Trainees must be Indiana residents. SEF reimburses eligible training expenses over a two-year term. Companies may reapply for additional SEF funds after their initial two-year term. IEDC typically does not provide reimbursement for training that is required by law.

Description

The Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF) provides financial assistance to businesses committed to training their Indiana workforce by offering grants that reimburse a portion of a company’s eligible training costs over a two-year term. Each SEF application is evaluated on its merits. Companies may reapply for additional SEF funds after their initial grant is successfully completed. The SEF Program is established under IC 5-28-7.

Eligible Companies

  • Manufacturing Companies
  • Distribution/Logistics Providers
  • Headquarters and other businesses that can demonstrate that a significant portion of their local revenue stems from transactions with out-of-state entities

Other Eligibility Requirements

  • Company is in good standing with all state regulatory agencies
  • Company is making a capital investment in addition to employee training costs
  • Company will commit to continue operations and maintain employment levels where the SEF training assistance is provided for at least five years after the training grant is completed
  • Company is not a retail establishment, a non-profit entity, or engaged in business that is otherwise prohibited
  • Trainees must be Indiana residents who are full-time and permanent employees of the company (i.e., 35 hours or more per week and non-temporary)

Financial Assistance and Training Parameters

The maximum amount awarded through the SEF program will typically not exceed 50 percent of a company’s eligible training budget; the actual approved amount may be less than 50 percent.

  • Most types of training are eligible except safety, HR/benefits orientation, and training required by law (e.g., Commercial Driver’s License)
  • Training expenses eligible for reimbursement include instruction, travel, and material and supply costs
  • Trainee wages are not an eligible training expense, although the wages paid to a staff trainer/instructor can be an eligible expense

Evaluation Criteria

  • Capital investment being made by the company
  • Number of workers to be trained (both new and existing) and average wage levels
  • Quality and cost of the training program
  • Importance of the project to Indiana’s strategic future
  • Economic need of the affected community
  • Receiving the grant award is a major factor in the applicant's decision to go forward with the training program

 

Project Information Management System

 

Fact Sheet

Skills Enhancement Fund