SOUTH BEND, Ind. (July 21, 2025) – As the nature of work changes, the need for a reskilled and upskilled workforce emerges. The Regional Skills Accelerator addresses this need for workforce training demands of industry through grants to support full-time employee skill development. The new application round for these grant funds is now open to advanced industry and manufacturing businesses located in Elkhart, Marshall or St. Joseph counties.

The Regional Skills Accelerator offers training grants to businesses in support of employee skill development and earning industry recognized credentials and certificates. The program encourages an innovation-led employee empowerment culture, addressing skill sets that are critical today and tomorrow while supporting regional companies with their digital upskilling transformation journey.

“The Regional Skills Accelerator is a vital tool for ensuring our workforce is prepared for the future,” said Alayna Wort, Program Manager, Talent Development at the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership. “By helping employees gain industry-recognized skills and credentials, we’re not only supporting individual career growth but also strengthening the region’s economic resilience. This program allows companies to embrace innovation while investing in the people who drive their success.”

Companies can be approved for up to $15,000 per fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, with a commitment to a 1:1 match to the grant funds. Each company must work with one of the authorized training partners: Goshen College, Indiana University South Bend, Ivy Tech or Purdue MEP.

The program is in partnership with Labs for Industry Futures at the University of Notre Dame’s iNDustry Labs, Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County, Marshall County Economic Development Corp., and the South Bend Regional Chamber. Fifty companies have taken part in the Regional Skills Accelerator, including businesses such as Lippert, Hoosier Racing Tire, Patrick Industries, Conn Selmer, and more, with 941 employees receiving training. Click through the links to learn about two companies’ experience with the program: Hoosier Tank and Trek 10.

Contact Alayna Wort at awort@southbendelkhart.org or click here to learn more and apply.

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About South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership

The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership seeks to unify and collaborate so that together, communities across the region can work collectively to achieve what cannot be done individually. For more information about the Regional Partnership, visit SouthBendElkhart.org.

Media Contact

Liz Folkerts

South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership

lfolkerts@southbendelkhart.org