On-the-Job Training (OJT) Grants

On-the-Job Training (OJT) Grants is sponsored by Amherst Chamber of Commerce. Provides wage subsidies and skills training for small and medium-sized businesses in New York State.

On-the-Job Training Grants Now Accepting Applications for Western New York Businesses - Buffalo Rising Support for Buffalo Rising comes from: Support for Buffalo Rising comes from: Support for Buffalo Rising comes from: On-the-Job Training Grants Now Accepting Applications for Western New York Businesses By Daniel Lendzian September 8, 2025 No Comments 5 Mins Read The Amherst Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that applications for On-the-Job Training (OJT) Grants opened on September 1, 2025.

These grants help small and medium-sized businesses across Western New York invest in their workforce by offsetting training and wage costs. Administered by the Amherst Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the New York State Department of Labor , the program is open to all eligible WNY businesses—membership in the Amherst Chamber or a location in Amherst is not required.

Stay Informed with Buffalo Rising Stay Informed with Buffalo Rising How often would you like to receive our newsletter? Daily OJT grants are available to all industries, for-profit or not-for-profit, in the eight Western New York counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming. Eligible businesses must have at least two employees and have operated for more than one year.

Employees must be full-time, 18 or older, and on payroll (1099 contractors are not eligible), including both new hires and current staff, with a focus on mid-tier employees earning $18/hour up to $91,556/year. Grants reimburse up to 50% of training costs and wages for approved programs, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

Companies may submit up to two training programs, paying expenses upfront and receiving reimbursement after completion. Businesses can grow by enhancing their team’s ability to contribute to the stability and viability of their organization,” shared Langenfeld, adding, “Employee retention is an important element of the overall success of the program. The program is designed to help businesses fill specific skill gaps.

It allows employers to hire individuals who may not have all the required skills upfront and then provides the financial support to train them on-site, in-house, according to the company’s specific needs. ” To receive funding, businesses must submit an OJT application and an approved training plan. Training must be completed by August 15, 2026, with reimbursement requests due by August 31, 2026.

Employees must continue to receive wages during training, and businesses must maintain employment after program completion. Documentation of payroll and proof of payment is required. The grant opened September 1, 2025.

Click here to learn more and start your application. For more information and to apply, visit the Amherst Chamber of Commerce website or contact their offices directly to begin your On-the-Job Training grant application. On-the-Job Training Grants Available for all industries, profit or not-for-profit!

Open to most businesses with 2 or more employees You do NOT need to be an Amherst Chamber of Commerce member Program Start: September 1, 2025 | Program End Date: August 31, 2026 Population Served: Adult, Business Agency: Dept. of Labor | Source Of Funding: State To support small and medium-sized businesses with On-the-Job Training, wage subsidy, skills upgrading, and skills retraining.

When a company invests in its employees through training that allows them to elevate their skillset, it provides the employer with resources to elevate their performance in their industry. On-the-Job Training grants can assist in the acceleration of promotable employees by alleviating some of the costs associated with retaining and attracting new talent. This is a reimbursement grant .

With an On-the-Job Training application and approved training plan, a business can be reimbursed for up to 50% of training costs and 50% of wages. Business is required to pay for training and wages upfront.

Grant Parameters & Guidelines Business must be located in one of the 8 WNY Counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, or Wyoming County Business can be for-profit or not-for-profit Business must have at least 2 or more employees Business must have been in business for more than 1 year Employees must be at least 18 years old Employees must work full-time (32 hours or more per week) Employees must be employees of the business and paid by the business, 1099 employees are not eligible Employees must be mid-tier level employees or must make more than $18 per hour, Payroll information and proof of payment of wages must be provided Employees must meet Federal and State minimum wage standards [1] Employees must earn less than a pre-deduction wage of $91,556/yr ($44.

02/hour) Employees can be newly hired employees or current employees Employees can take different training(s) Employees must complete training no later than 8/31/2026 Reimbursement submissions must be received by 8/15/2026 A training program plan must be approved by the Amherst Chamber before training begins Business must be able to pay for training up front Business, upon approval, would be reimbursed up to 50% after training is completed A reimbursement request form with receipts and report is required Business must pay employees during the training Business must continue to provide employment upon completion of the training Awards range from $1,000-$10,000 Business may submit and potentially be approved for up to two (2) training programs [1] Minimum Wage Requirements : Federal ; New York State Submission Dates are rolling throughout the timeframe of September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026 Verify your business is eligible by using the guidelines provided Complete the On-the-Job Grant Application Submit a thorough Training Plan that outlines: The name(s) of employee(s) to be trained Position/title and pay structure Detailed training program(s) for each employee Organizational chart of business with key personnel identified in program implementation Confirm that the training program includes all eligible costs See Ineligible Training Costs section Submit application to grants@amherst.

org An Amherst Chamber team member will schedule a screening call to review your application, discuss eligibility, any additional needs plus review the training program submitted. There may be further materials requested to support the request.

A written email confirmation of approval or disapproval (or request for additional enhancements or information) will be sent within 2-4 weeks of submission Amherst Chamber of Commer business Grants Assistant Professor at SUNY Fredonia, Artistic Associate at Alleyway Theatre, and host of Buffalo Rising's WNY Soundstage podcast, which explores our region's creative economy offering in-depth discussions with a diverse range of artists, musicians, and cultural figures.

Alongside his podcast role, Dan's extensive experience in theater, both as a performer and as an educator, make him a significant emerging voice in promoting Buffalo's artistic and cultural industries. Dan is also a certified Pilates instructor and completed his Masters of Fine Arts at The University of Texas at Austin.

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