Workforce Innovation Fund - 2025

Background
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has initiated the Workforce Innovation Fund to allocate $1 million in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Statewide funds. This fund aims to empower Local Workforce Development Boards (Boards) to create innovative projects that enhance workforce development in their local areas. The goal is to support locally sourced innovation that aligns with TWC's strategic priorities.

Work Details
Local Workforce Development Boards are the only eligible applicants for the Workforce Innovation Fund. Boards may apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. Projects must meet specific requirements: they should not overlap with existing programs, be allowable under WIOA funding, align with TWC’s strategic plan, be scalable beyond the initial grant period, and demonstrate a measurable impact on the local workforce ecosystem.

Applications will be evaluated based on detailed project descriptions, innovation aspects, alignment with TWC priorities, scalability potential, and anticipated economic impact.

Period of Performance
Applications can be submitted from August 29 to October 17, 2025. Grant awards will commence in December 2025.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed within the geographic areas served by the Local Workforce Development Boards in Texas.

Bidder Requirements
Only Local Workforce Development Boards are eligible to apply for funding. Each Board may submit one application per fiscal year and must comply with WIOA eligibility requirements for participants receiving direct services. Additionally, grant funding may only be used for WIOA-allowable activities.