Operational Guidance | OG 09-2022, Change 1 American Rescue Plan Act Business Work-Based Learning Grant
- Date: June 21, 2023
- Subject: American Rescue Plan Act Business Work-Based Learning Grant
- From: Chet Mottershead, Assistant Secretary for Workforce
Purpose:
To update the performance period and the funding expiration date for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Business-Work-Based Learning Grant funding.
Operational Guidance 09-2022 is still active and continuing.
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 training. 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 December 31, 2026.
Action:
Non-profits and state agencies awarded must adhere to the updated ARPA Business Work-Based Learning Grant Guidelines
Effective Date:
Immediately
Expiration:
December 31, 2026
Contact:
DWS Business Services Unit
Attachment:
ARPA Business Work-Based Learning Grant Guidelines