News Summary
Indiana officials have unveiled the Power Up Indiana initiative, designed to enhance workforce skills and stimulate economic growth. This program encourages employers to invest in training their staff with financial reimbursements of up to $5,000 per employee. A total of $10 million has been allocated to support various training types across the state. The initiative aims to foster long-term economic resilience and improve wages by focusing on the development of Indiana’s existing workforce. Employers of all sizes can participate, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria.
Indianapolis Announces New Employee Upskilling Program: Power Up Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana — On September 16, 2025, Indiana officials launched a new initiative aimed at boosting workforce skills and supporting economic growth within the state. The initiative, titled “Power Up Indiana”, is designed to encourage employers to invest in training their existing employees by providing financial reimbursements for approved training programs.
Details of the Power Up Indiana Initiative
The Power Up Indiana program will provide eligible businesses with up to $5,000 per trained employee, with a maximum annual reimbursement of $50,000 if specific criteria are met. The initiative allocates a total of $10 million in funding to support training incentives across the state. Employers can seek reimbursement for training activities conducted since the start of the current year.
The program aims to facilitate a broad range of training types, including technical training resulting in industry-recognized credentials, cross-training, reskilling, leadership development, and registered apprenticeships. To qualify for reimbursement, employees must receive a pay increase of at least 25% after completing training and must exceed the regional median wages.
Eligibility and Application Process
All business types and sizes located in Indiana are eligible to participate, provided they are registered with the secretary of state’s office and maintain a current unemployment tax account. Companies interested in participating need to submit an online interest form, develop a detailed training plan, obtain approval, and track the required training-related information throughout the process.
Local workforce development boards will oversee the program’s implementation and judge employee eligibility for reimbursement. Businesses can qualify for reimbursements for employee training already conducted since the beginning of the year, making the program accessible for ongoing workforce development efforts.
Long-Term Strategy for Workforce Growth
Indiana officials emphasize that Power Up Indiana is more than just another incentive program. They describe it as a long-term growth strategy that fosters economic resilience by investing in the existing workforce. Governor Mike Braun highlighted that the program’s focus on higher wages and upskilling will benefit both employees and the economy at large.
Comparison with Existing Programs and Industry Successes
The state already runs other upskilling initiatives, such as the Employer Training Grant program. However, officials note that Power Up Indiana offers a broader approach to workforce development, addressing previous limitations related to industry scope and wage increase requirements.
Success stories, including the Securing Experience and Employee Development (SEED) program at Keystone Cooperative, an Indianapolis-based agribusiness, demonstrate the potential benefits of workplace training. The SEED program provides comprehensive training and career development opportunities, serving as an example of how Indiana’s upskilling initiatives can positively impact employers and employees alike.
Conclusion
Overall, the Power Up Indiana initiative aims to enhance the skills of Indiana’s workforce through targeted employer incentives. By focusing on upskilling existing employees and encouraging pay increases, the program seeks to foster economic growth and improve wages across the state, supporting Indiana’s future development and competitiveness.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Indiana Launches $10 Million Power Up Indiana Grant Program
Additional Resources
- Indiana Capital Chronicle
- Wikipedia: Workforce Development
- My Wabash Valley
- Google Search: Power Up Indiana
- Fox59
- Google Scholar: Indiana Workforce Training
- Read The Reporter
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Development
- Inside Indiana Business
- Google News: Indiana Job Training
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.
