LA · State Grant

Louisiana State Training Grants for Employers

Louisiana's main state training money is the WORKS Training Fund, run by Louisiana Works. It reimburses employers up to 80% of approved training costs, paid after training is done and after six months of retention. The older IWTP pays training providers, and SBET reimburses small employers up to $3,000 per trainee. LED FastStart gives free custom training to eligible new or expanding companies.

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HOW IT WORKS

Four steps, in this order.

1
Match your situation: WORKS for targeted industries, SBET for small employers, IWTP for groups of 15 or more, FastStart for new projects
2
Contact your Regional Workforce Consultant, IWTP specialist or LED
3
Get approval before any training starts
4
Submit completion and retention proof and receive payment

4 VERIFIED PROGRAMS

Where the Louisiana money comes from.

Run by Louisiana Workforce Commission (Louisiana Works). Every figure is from an official page, linked on each card.

WORKS Training Fund (Louisiana Works)

Up to 80% of training costs

OPEN, ROLLING

WHAT YOU GET

Reimbursement of approved training costs for new and current workers.

HOW MUCH

Up to 80% under 100 employees, 70% for 101 to 500, 60% above 500, never above 80%. One-page summary also lists 60% at completion, 40% at six months, $1,500 per employee and $150,000 per employer.

WHO RECEIVES THE MONEY

The employer, in two milestone payments.

WHO QUALIFIES

Louisiana employer in a targeted industry
Workers 17 or older and not in secondary school
Generally two years in business
Training plan and outcome reporting

Before you start: Yes. Training must not begin before approval.

Small Business Employee Training (SBET)

Up to $3,000 per trainee a year

ONGOING, ROLLING

WHAT YOU GET

Tuition and required textbooks and manuals for off-the-shelf training.

HOW MUCH

Up to $3,000 per trainee per state fiscal year.

WHO RECEIVES THE MONEY

The employer, after training is complete.

WHO QUALIFIES

Three years in business in Louisiana, paying into the Incumbent Worker Training Account
Current on UI laws
50 or fewer employees per the flyer (the IWTP FAQ says fewer than 15, so confirm with your regional specialist)
Training in a labor demand occupation

Before you start: Yes.

Incumbent Worker Training Program, customized training

Provider is paid, 15 or more workers

ONGOING, CONFIRM FUNDS

WHAT YOU GET

Training for 15 or more existing workers via a three-party contract.

HOW MUCH

Set per approved application.

WHO RECEIVES THE MONEY

The training provider.

WHO QUALIFIES

Three years in Louisiana, paying into the Incumbent Worker Training Account
15 or more trainees or a consortium
Labor demand occupation or job loss prevention

Before you start: Yes.

LED FastStart

No-cost custom training, in-kind

DISCRETIONARY, BY PROJECT

WHAT YOU GET

Custom recruiting, screening and training for eligible new or expanding companies, at no cost.

HOW MUCH

No dollar figure published.

WHO RECEIVES THE MONEY

No cash. LED delivers the service.

WHO QUALIFIES

New or expanding company with a distinct project
Aligned with LED's strategic plan targets
Discretionary

Before you start: Yes, LED plans the program with you.

LOCAL BOARDS

Same program, different rules by board.

Louisiana Works regional consultants

WORKS has eight Regional Workforce Consultants, from New Orleans (Region 1) to Monroe (Region 8).

SOURCE: LAWORKS.NET

AVOID THESE

What gets Louisiana State Grant claims denied.

Training before approval.
SOURCE: LAWORKS.NET
Workers who leave before six months earn no retention payment.
SOURCE: LAWORKS.NET
Employers outside the targeted industries.
SOURCE: LAWORKS.NET
Not paying into the IWTP account or behind on UI taxes.
SOURCE: LAWORKS.NET

STRAIGHT ANSWERS

Louisiana State Grant questions.

Which industries does WORKS target?

Construction and industrial trades, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades supporting major industrial projects, AI-enabling occupations and digital infrastructure, and data center and critical infrastructure occupations.

SOURCE: LAWORKS.NET

Can nonprofits apply to WORKS?

Yes, if they meet the employer rules: operate in Louisiana, be in a targeted industry and commit to training.

SOURCE: LAWORKS.NET

Is there a minimum number of trainees for WORKS?

No. A company may train as few as one eligible worker, subject to approval and cost ceilings.

SOURCE: LAWORKS.NET

How are WORKS applications handled?

They are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed quarterly. Funding decisions follow ranking and available funds.

SOURCE: LAWORKS.NET

How we checked. Every fact on this page comes from a state agency, a local workforce board or federal regulation, read on September 30, 2026. Where a board publishes nothing, we say so instead of guessing. Programs and funding change often; confirm with the program before you commit. Written by Jason Meehl, founder of Reimbursa. Found an error? Email hello@reimbursa.com.

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