Wisconsin Fast Forward Worker Training Grants — Fall 2026 Healthcare Employer Pathway

Wisconsin DWD has approximately $5 million available through Wisconsin Fast Forward for customized occupational training. Healthcare employers are expressly eligible, with grants generally ranging from $5,000 to $400,000 and larger consortium awards possible.

FundingApproximately $5 million available statewide; individual Wisconsin Fast Forward grants generally range from $5,000 to $400,000, with higher awards possible for consortium applicants.

DeadlineOctober 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM CT

Last verifiedAugust 29, 2026

Required next actionDefine the healthcare workforce problem and the specific customized occupational training needed for unemployed, underemployed or incumbent workers; identify the applicant and any consortium partners; quantify trainee counts, target occupations, training costs, completion and wage or advancement outcomes; and submit the Wisconsin Fast Forward application to DWD by October 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM CT.

Broad Eligibility

Wisconsin employers of all sizes and industries, including healthcare, are eligible. DWD lists public agencies, private organizations across industry sectors, consortia led by a public or private organization, Tribal governing bodies of federally recognized Tribes or bands, and organizations appointed by Tribal governing bodies as eligible applicant pathways.

Atlas Analysis

A strong workforce opportunity for hospitals, health systems, clinics, EMS employers, long-term-care organizations and other Wisconsin healthcare employers with documented skills gaps. The program reimburses customized occupational training that helps participants qualify for full-time positions, higher-level roles or increased wages. Because the funding is industry-neutral, healthcare applicants should make the workforce shortage, job progression, retention and measurable employer need especially concrete. Consortium projects can be strategically valuable when multiple rural or regional providers share the same training need.

Source verificationOfficial government source · dwd.wisconsin.govAtlas last verified this record August 29, 2026. Always use the funder's current application materials, amendments and portal instructions as the controlling source.View source and application materials ↗