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- ✉️ Part 1: “The Hidden Payroll Grants 95% of Employers Overlook”
✉️ Part 1: “The Hidden Payroll Grants 95% of Employers Overlook”
What if I told you the government wants to pay you to hire and train employees?
Not a loan. Not a credit. Not a gimmick.
Two real programs — OJT and IWT — that reimburse you up to $5,000 per employee.
And yet… most businesses don’t even know they exist.

🧱 OJT (On-the-Job Training)
Think of it as a wage-reimbursement grant for new hires.
Covers 50–75% of wages while they’re in training.
Average reimbursement: $3K–$5K per employee.
Available in nearly every state.
⚙️ IWT (Incumbent Worker Training)
Designed for your current employees.
Covers training and certification costs.
Typically $5K per team member.
Perfect for leadership training, skill upgrades, or new technology adoption.
Both programs are funded through WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) and managed by local workforce boards.
The catch? Every region has its own process, caps, and forms.
That’s why 95% of eligible employers skip it — and the 5% who get help walk away with thousands.
📊 Quick Stats That’ll Make You Blink:
Only 1 in 12 small businesses apply.
$800M+ in OJT/IWT funds expired unused last year.
Average contract = $4,200 per employee.
Companies using them see 2.5x retention and faster onboarding.
🌎 Top States in 2025:
State | Max OJT Cap | Max IWT Cap | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Texas | $5K | $5K | Boards like North Central TX lead funding |
Florida | $4K | $5K | Fast approval, high utilization |
Georgia | $5K | $4K | Great for logistics + trades |
California | $5K | $10K (per employer) | Larger regional budgets |
Ohio | $5K | $5K | Prioritizes manufacturing |
North Carolina | $5K | $5K | 60–75% wage reimbursement |
Indiana | $5K | $5K | Can stack with Workforce Ready Grant |
🚧 Why You Haven’t Heard of This:
Boards don’t advertise them.
The forms are different in every county.
You have to know the “keywords” to get approved.
You need a training provider already in their system.
So even if you try to apply, one small mistake — wrong job code, missing justification — and you’re out.
That’s where we come in.
I’ve helped businesses across multiple states tap into these programs and get $5K per employee back in payroll support.
🧭 Next Week:
I’ll break down 3 real case studies — from construction to IT — and show you how they turned paperwork into paychecks.
— Hector
Founder, Trade School Secrets
Until next time, control what YOU can control, take action on something, and don’t forget to smile. Like what you read? Here’s how you can help: Share this newsletter with friends who could use a boost. Sharing is caring! Connect with me on X (formerly Twitter) – let's chat and support each other. Find me at @Trade Schools Secrets-WIOA Whisperer.
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