Grants

Accepting Applications September 1, 2025

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

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Overview

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.

Reimbursement

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

• 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