18 Small Businesses in Harford Awarded $70K for Workforce Training

Harford County has granted $70,350 to 18 local businesses in FY24 for employee technical training across a wide range of industries. A total of 84 employees received training, including electricians, welders and manufacturing and defense company workers.

The funding was provided through the county’s Workforce Technical Training Grant program, which reimburses small businesses that invest in their workforce through training that improves productivity and efficiency. The program is also open to apprenticeships.

Loper Machine LLC, a manufacturer in Edgewood, received a training grant for employees to earn a welding qualification. Co-owner Kevin Smolenski said the opportunity for reimbursement was the catalyst for pursuing a business opportunity.

“Shortly after the certification was achieved, we produced two assemblies for an existing customer that required a lot of welding, something that we would not have done without the grant support,” Smolenski said.

Under the administration of County Executive Bob Cassilly, grant amounts in the program were doubled to a maximum of $2,000 per employee and $10,000 per business per year. Since the start of the Cassilly administration, more than 150 employees have been trained through the program, totaling $121,362 in grants.

“A highly skilled workforce is the lifeblood of any successful business,” County Executive Bob Cassilly said. “Harford County is committed to offering these grants to help local businesses thrive and provide well-paying jobs in our community.”

To learn more about the WFTTG program, contact Bonnie Barresi, business development associate, at bebarresi@harfordcountymd.gov or visit https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/1285/Workforce-Technical-Training-Grant.