News Summary
Indianapolis has introduced the ‘Power Up Indiana’ initiative, aimed at aiding local businesses in upskilling their employees. This program offers financial incentives for training that allows workers to develop new skills and secure higher-paying roles. With an allocated budget of $10 million, the initiative encourages broad participation across various industries and aims to enhance the overall workforce quality in Indiana.
Indianapolis Starts New Employee Upskilling Program with State Funding
Indianapolis, Indiana — On September 16, 2025, the state of Indiana launched a new initiative called Power Up Indiana. This program is designed to support local businesses by reimbursing them for training their current employees to develop new skills and move into higher-paying roles. The goal is to strengthen Indiana’s workforce and promote long-term economic growth across the state.
Key Details of the Power Up Indiana Program
The initiative aims to encourage Hoosier employers to invest in their workforce by providing financial incentives for employee upskilling. Commerce Secretary David Adams emphasized that the potential for growth already exists within Indiana’s existing businesses, making this program a strategic move to harness that potential.
The program is structured as a long-term growth strategy for Indiana, rather than merely offering one-time incentives. Businesses participating can receive up to $5,000 in reimbursement for each trained employee, with a maximum total of $50,000 annually per company. Indiana has allocated a total of $10 million for the training incentives through this initiative.
Eligible Training Activities and Requirements
Training activities eligible for reimbursement include technical training for industry-recognized credentials, cross-training, reskilling, leadership development, or participation in registered apprenticeships. To qualify, workers must see their pay increase by at least 25% after training, and their new wages must also surpass the median wages in their region.
This program is open to businesses of all types and sizes located in Indiana, provided they are registered with the Secretary of State and have a current unemployment tax account. Employers may seek reimbursement for training completed by employees since the start of the calendar year.
Application Process and Oversight
Participating businesses are required to submit an online interest form. After that, they must develop a training plan that includes detailed job descriptions and salary ranges. Once the training plan is approved by the state, businesses will sign grant and training agreements and submit invoices to receive reimbursement.
The program will be managed by the state with oversight from local workforce development boards. These local bodies are responsible for verifying that employee training meets the program’s requirements and that employees qualify for reimbursement. Funds will be distributed to these local boards to facilitate the process and ensure proper oversight.
Comparison to Past Programs and Goals
This initiative builds upon previous programs, such as the Employer Training Grant program, which had limitations on eligible industries and wage increases. Power Up Indiana addresses these restrictions, offering broader eligibility and clearer incentive structures.
The program also aims to foster upward mobility for employees by facilitating their transition into higher-paying roles within their current companies. This approach is aimed at creating a more skilled and adaptable workforce across Indiana.
Examples and Success Stories
One example cited is the SEED (Securing Experience and Employee Development) program at Keystone Cooperative in Indianapolis. A 20-year-old participant in the program shared his positive experiences and opportunities for growth within the company, illustrating the potential benefits of employer-led upskilling efforts.
State Leadership Comments
Governor Mike Braun highlighted the need for innovative approaches to employee development, noting that previous efforts had fallen short. The launch of Power Up Indiana represents a renewed focus on workforce development as a means to ensure future economic stability and growth for Indiana.
Summary
In summary, Indiana’s Power Up Indiana initiative offers a financial incentive for employers to invest in employee training, with the goal of improving wages and advancing workers’ careers. The program emphasizes broad participation, clear eligibility standards, and strong oversight to ensure effective use of funds. By doing so, Indiana aims to foster a more skilled, mobile workforce equipped to meet the evolving needs of its industries and communities.
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Additional Resources
- Indiana Capital Chronicle
- Wikipedia: Workforce Development
- Fox59
- Bing Search: Power Up Indiana
- WTHR
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Employee Training
- WFFT
- Google News: Power Up Indiana
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
