Operational Guidance | OG 09-2022 American Rescue Plan Act Business Work-Based Learning Grant - EXPIRED
Update: See OG 09-2022, Change 1.
- Date: December 6, 2022
- Subject: American Rescue Plan Act Business Work-Based Learning Grant
- From: Chet Mottershead, Assistant Secretary for Workforce
Purpose:
To transmit the guidelines and application for the administration of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Business Work-Based Learning Grant funding. This funding is specifically for non-profits and state agencies. Local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) are not eligible for this grant.
Background:
The ARPA was enacted on March 11, 2021, to provide relief to address the continued impact of COVID-19 on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses. The State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF) is a component of ARPA, which provides $5.4 billion to North Carolina to help turn the tide on the pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery.
The N.C. General Assembly appropriated SFRF in Session Law 2021-180. The N.C. Pandemic Recovery Office (NCPRO) is responsible for overseeing and monitoring the use of the SFRF, as well as reporting to the U.S. Treasury on behalf of state agencies.
The Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS) has been allocated ARPA funds to focus on workforce development. The DWS has designated $2 million in funding for Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities to assist small- and micro-businesses (e.g., businesses with fewer than twenty-five [25] employees). Emphasis should be placed on historically underutilized businesses (HUB), industries significantly impacted by the pandemic, or businesses located in an economically distressed Tier 1 or Tier 2 county. This funding will also assist with marketing and technology expenses to develop and maintain the training platform and to market and promote the trainings. These programs are in keeping with the spirit of both North Carolina’s “First in Talent” Plan and Governor Cooper’s NC Job Ready initiative.
Regarding performance measures and outcomes, awarded agencies that provide services to individuals must track those individuals. The DWS will provide a license to the Salesforce portal for reporting purposes. However, agencies may utilize their own participant-tracking system or develop one (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Access, etcetera).
Each business grant awarded provides the DWS an opportunity to engage with new partners or provide innovative and enhanced services that are not easily administered through current Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) guidelines. This grant is to serve businesses during the period of February 13, 2023 through September 30, 2024.
Action:
Non-profits and state agencies may apply for the ARPA Business WBL Grant by submitting a completed application to Russell Doles at rdoles@commerce.nc.gov by January 13, 2023. Local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) are not eligible for this grant.
Effective Date:
December 6, 2022
Expiration:
September 30, 2024
Contact:
Russell Doles, Federal Programs Development Director
Attachment:
- ARPA Business Work-Based Learning Grant Guidelines
- ARPA Business Work-Based Learning Grant Application
- ARPA Business Work-Based Learning Grant Goals, Outcomes and Measures
- ARPA Business Work-Based Learning Grant Application Budget
- ARPA Grant Pre-Award Assessment Survey