Workforce Buffalo Drives Economic Growth with Free Hiring and Training Programs for Local Businesses

Workforce Buffalo Pro gram helps Buffalo and Erie County Businesses through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Acts Fund by cutting hiring costs and building skilled talent pipeline. Workforce Buffalo is driving economic growth in Buffalo and Erie County by offering a range of free business services designed to help employers hire, train, and retain a skilled workforce.

Through its Business Services Department, Workforce Buffalo pro vides innovative, cost saving programs that connect businesses with talent while offsetting training expenses. One of the flagship offerings is the On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program, which reimburses employ ers 50% of a new hire’s wages up to $10,000 per employee during the training period. This pro gram allows businesses to onboard individuals who possess foundational skills and develop them further. Employers may receive up to $30,000 per fiscal year through OJT program.

For companies looking to upskill their current workforce, the Customized Training (CT) Program offers reimbursement of 50% of employee training costs, with funding available up to $30,000 per fiscal year per employer. The pro gram is tailored to meet specific business needs, ensuring employees gain relevant, job-specific skills that enhance productivity, retention and help businesses to be more competitive with highly skilled workers.

In addition, Work force Buffalo’s Career Pathways Programming connects employers to a pipeline of occupation ally trained talent. These occupational training programs are designed in collaboration with local training providers, and businesses to address workforce skill gaps in high-demand fields. Participants will gain industry focused skills and an opportunity to be placed into career-track positions upon completion.

All services are FREE to Buffalo and Erie County businesses. Businesses interested in learning more about available services are encouraged to visit our website at https://workforcebuffalo.org/business-services or contact the Business Services team at bmorgan@wdcinc.org or 716-819 9845 Ext. 1140.

All services, programming, and opportunities are subject to funding availability and eligibility requirements.