Employee Training Grants Powering Business Growth and Equity
May 30, 2025
In Pierce County, businesses aren’t just getting by — they’re growing, innovating, and transforming their workplaces with the support of Employee Training Grants. Funded through the Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF) and Good Jobs Manufacturing (GJM) initiatives, this program is doing far more than helping companies afford training — it’s advancing economic equity, building leadership, and opening doors to global markets.
Through the Good Jobs and Community Reinvestment Initiatives, we have supported 21 businesses and 174 employees, distributing more than $315,000 through more than 30 trainings to manufacturing businesses and small businesses owned by minority community members.
Good Jobs Manufacturing targets the manufacturing sector, where training can make the difference between stagnation and innovation. Grants supporting training for technical skills, safety, and leadership are helping local companies step into the future.
Spindle Dynamics, a Tacoma spindle repair company, was able to send their two employees for a highly specialized repair certification, making them the only U.S.-based technicians certified to repair a new tech platform, which is attracting international business and strengthening their in-house training processes. This certification will open doors to new customers and support their business growth goals.
Without the grant, they said they would never have been able to afford the cost of travel in addition to the training.
One of Pierce County’s oldest businesses, Brown and Haley, the makers of Almond Rocha, partnered with Clover Park Technical College to provide advanced leadership training to 28 employees. The company says these employees now have tools they can use every day to lead more effectively. And, because of the training, every employee who participated earned a raise.
“Our managers are more confident,” the company shared.
The Community Reinvestment Fund supported Black, Latine, and Indigenous-owned businesses with training tailored to their unique needs—ranging from grant writing and financial accounting to esthetician training and community-centered leadership.
Georgina Holland, owner of Massage Me LLC, used the grant to hire and train front desk staff—allowing the business to extend hours and serve more clients experiencing pain.
“This grant made it possible for us to deliver high-level service without compromising operations,” she shared. The outcome? Improved staff retention, enhanced client satisfaction, and more sustainable operations.
Seven members of the Puyallup Tribe completed CDL-A training with Hazmat certification. As a group, the tribal members received a total of $17,500 in stipends to support their training; this is a tangible example of advancing workforce equity and opportunity for Indigenous communities. And when they completed their training, the Tribe had jobs ready for them.
These stories reflect just a fraction of the powerful impact Employee Training Grants have had across Pierce County. By investing in their people, businesses are not only expanding their capacity and reach—they’re building more inclusive, resilient workplaces and unlocking opportunities for their employees. The ripple effect will continue to strengthen the local economy, empower workers, and ensure that innovation and prosperity go hand in hand.
