Quick answer: what is the Express Grant?
The Express Grant is a Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund program that reimburses small and mid-sized employers for employee training. If your organization has 100 or fewer Massachusetts W-2 employees and pays into state unemployment insurance, you can be reimbursed for up to 100% of an approved course, up to $3,000 per employee per course and $15,000 per year.
The program is run by Commonwealth Corporation for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, and is funded by employer unemployment insurance contributions.
How much can my company get from the Express Grant?
Up to $15,000 per calendar year, with up to 100% of each approved course covered. Costs above the limits below are paid by your company.
100%
of approved course costs, within the limits
$15,000
per company, per calendar year
$3,000
per employee, per course
$300/hr
per instructional hour
21 days
Apply at least 21 days before training starts
Example: A 75-person company sends 10 managers to a $1,500 leadership course. Training cost: $15,000. Reimbursed: $15,000. Net cost: $0.
As of April 1, 2026, employers with 51–100 Massachusetts employees can receive up to 100% reimbursement (up from 50%). Source: Commonwealth Corporation.
Am I likely to qualify for the Express Grant?
Answer a few quick questions to find out. It takes about a minute, and nothing is submitted.
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Answer all 3 questions to see if you're likely to qualify.
This is a quick screen, not an official determination. Commonwealth Corporation makes final eligibility decisions.
Who is eligible for the Express Grant?
Massachusetts employers with 100 or fewer Massachusetts W-2 employees that pay into the Workforce Training Fund through state unemployment insurance.
Eligible
- For-profit businesses with 1–100 Massachusetts W-2 employees
- Nonprofits that pay unemployment insurance through quarterly contributions
- Full-time and part-time payroll employees working in Massachusetts (they don’t need to live in MA)
Not eligible
- Federal, state and municipal government bodies, including cities, towns and state agencies
- Nonprofits that are self-insured (reimbursable) for unemployment insurance
- Temps, independent contractors and employees of other firms
- Employers with 101+ Massachusetts employees (see the General Program instead)
Source: Commonwealth Corporation Express Program Guidelines and Exploring WTFP Grants.
What changed in the Workforce Training Fund in 2026?
For applications received on or after April 1, 2026 · Source: Commonwealth Corporation policy updates
- Express reimbursement rose to 100% for employers with 51–100 MA employees (up from 50%), so every eligible employer can now get up to 100%.
- The General Program maximum rose to $200,000 (up from $125,000).
- You can now use Express and General grants at the same time.
Express Grant vs. General Program: which is right for me?
Choose the Express Grant if you have 100 or fewer Massachusetts employees and want ready-made courses with a fast turnaround. Choose the General Program for a larger, multi-course training plan of $10,000 to $200,000. Since April 1, 2026, eligible employers can use both at the same time.
| Express Program | General Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Company size | 100 or fewer MA W-2 employees | Any size |
| Award amount | Up to $15,000 per calendar year | $10,000 to $200,000 |
| Reimbursement | Up to 100% of course cost | Requires a $1-to-$1 employer match (wages paid during training count) |
| Training | Courses listed in the Express Course Directory | A multi-course plan, mostly instructor-led group training |
| Cost limits | $300 per instructional hour, $3,000 per employee per course | $300 per instructional hour, $3,000 average per participant |
Who can help me apply for a Massachusetts training grant?
AIM HR Solutions offers free, one-on-one grant support. Rachel Gillis, our Workforce Training Grant Specialist, will confirm your eligibility, help you choose qualifying courses, prepare your application and guide you through reimbursement.
Rachel Gillis
Workforce Training Grant Specialist
rgillis@aimhrsolutions.com | 617.488.8315
How do I apply for the Express Grant?
Apply online through Commonwealth Corporation at least 21 days before training starts. The whole process takes four steps:
1
Choose a qualifying course
Pick a course listed in the Express Course Directory. Browse our Learning & Development Catalog, or ask us which courses qualify.
2
Gather your documents
You’ll need six items, listed below. Start with the Certificate of Compliance and Certificate of Good Standing, since they can take time.
3
Submit your application
Your grant start date is set automatically to 21 days after you submit, so apply at least 21 days before training. Approval typically takes about 3 weeks.
4
Train, then request reimbursement
Pay for and complete the training, then submit the reimbursement form, trainee list, provider invoice and proof of payment. Funds typically arrive in 30–45 days.
What documents do I need to apply for the Express Grant?
Have these six items ready before you apply:
✓Certificate of Compliance from the Department of Unemployment Assistance, showing your Workforce Training Fund contributions. It can’t be expired when you submit. How to get it
✓Certificate of Good Standing from the Department of Revenue, dated within the last 6 months. Request it
✓Signed W-9 from within the last year
✓Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
✓Number of Massachusetts employees, part-time and full-time
✓Course ID from the Express Course Directory
Tip: A Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of the Commonwealth is not accepted. It must come from the Department of Revenue.
Additional Resources
Plan your training
- Learning & Development Catalog: browse AIM courses for your team
- Expanded Access Webinar (April 2026): AIM HR Solutions and Commonwealth Corporation walk through the 2026 changes
Understand the grant
- Express Program Guidelines: official rules from Commonwealth Corporation
- 2026 Policy Updates: what changed on April 1, 2026
Prepare your documents
- How to Get a Certificate of Compliance: step-by-step instructions
- Sample Certificate of Good Standing: see what yours should look like (PDF)
Have questions about training or the Express Grant?
Schedule time with Rachel Gillis, our grant expert.
Ready to get your training funded?
Tell us a little about your organization and our team will follow-up to discuss your eligibility, training needs, and next steps.
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FAQs About Workforce Training Fund Program
- Certificate of Compliance
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Signed W-9
- # of W-2 Massachusetts employees+ worldwide
- Training selection
Start by identifying your team’s goals, we’ll help you take it from there. With access to 70+ grant-eligible courses, we can recommend the right training, provide strategic guidance to maximize your funding, and offer flexible public or private formats to fit your needs. View our Training Catalog.
Applications must be submitted at least 21 days before training begins. Training should not start before the Express Service Agreement start date.
Yes. As of April 1, 2026, employers can use Express and General grants at the same time.
For detailed program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and updates, visit Commonwealth Corporation’s Express Grant or General Grant FAQ pages. If you’d prefer a more personalized approach, you can also schedule a call with Rachel Gillis to walk through your options and next steps.