Partnership for Workforce Quality (PWQ)
About this page. This page explains PWQ in plain language. The program was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1989 and is administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce. The authorizing statute - PDF - 93.71 KB is available as a PDF.
Program Status
The program is ongoing. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis — there is no fixed deadline.
There is no online application portal. You apply by contacting the Commerce regional representative for your county or region.
What This Program Does
PWQ provides matching training grants and support services to improve the competitive position of small and mid-sized manufacturing and technology companies.
The program encourages Maryland companies to invest in:
- Incumbent worker training for job-specific skills
- Training to upgrade skills for new technologies and production processes
- Training of newly hired employees performing in Maryland
The goals are to improve the competitiveness and productivity of Maryland’s workforce and business community, and to promote employment stability.
Who Can Apply
To apply, your business must:
- Be a Maryland employer
- Not be in arrears with any State taxing agency
- Not be in default with any Commerce program
Applicants should have a minimum of ten full-time employees.
Who the program prioritizes
- At least 60% of available funds must be awarded to employers with 150 or fewer employees in Maryland
- The program encourages participation by small and minority-owned businesses
- Priority is given to manufacturing and technology companies
Other industries can apply. In regions of the State where regionally important industries have been identified beyond manufacturing and technology, an applicant should provide justification to support approval of PWQ funding. Discuss this with your regional representative early.
What the Grant Can Fund
PWQ supports formal, third-party, classroom, and on-the-job training. Eligible costs typically include:
- Curriculum development
- Course books and materials
- Instructor salary and expenses
How the Program Works
Award amount
- The program reimburses up to 50% of the qualified direct costs of a training project
- The minimum grant is $5,000 — which means the total training project must cost at least $10,000
- By statute, an employer may not receive more than $200,000 per year from the program
Do the math before you plan. Because the grant is a 50% match with a $5,000 floor, a training project costing less than $10,000 will not qualify. Scope the project accordingly, or combine related training into a single application.
How to Apply
- Identify the Commerce regional representative who covers the county or region where your business is located.
- Contact that representative to discuss the training project and confirm current funding availability.
- Work with your representative to complete and submit the application.
For questions about an application already submitted, email [email protected].
How You Receive Your Funds
PWQ is a reimbursement program. Commerce reimburses up to 50% of your qualified training costs after the training is delivered — you pay the training costs first.
Electronic funds transfer
The State requires all contractors to be registered to receive State payments by electronic funds transfer (EFT) before any contract exceeding $200,000 is approved by the Maryland Board of Public Works. All vendors are encouraged to register to be paid electronically.
To register, complete and submit Form GADX-10 - PDF to the General Accounting Division:
- Fax: 410-974-2309
- Mail: EFT Registration, General Accounting Division, P.O. Box 746, Annapolis, MD 21404-0746
Payments use the CCD, CCD+, or CTX format. The CCD+ format contains summarized information; detailed payment information is available through the One Stop Vendor Payment Inquiry System. The CTX format includes details for each invoice, but vendors must contact their bank to receive it and the bank may charge a fee. Your regional representative can guide you through registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Partnership for Workforce Quality FAQs
PWQ is an incumbent worker training program established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1989 and administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce. It was developed to encourage Maryland companies — especially manufacturing and technology companies — to invest in training for job-specific skills, to upgrade skills for new technologies, and to train newly hired employees performing in Maryland.
To improve the competitiveness and productivity of the State’s workforce and business community; to train new employees or upgrade incumbent worker skills for new technologies or production processes; and to promote employment stability.
Employers who qualify may be reimbursed for up to 50% of the qualified direct costs of worker training that increases business efficiency and competitive advantage.
The program primarily supports small businesses — at least 60% of PWQ funds must be awarded to businesses with no more than 150 employees. The primary target industries are manufacturing and technology.
Formal, third-party, classroom, and on-the-job training. Eligible costs typically include curriculum development, course books and materials, and instructor salary and expenses.
The minimum grant award is $5,000, which means the total cost of the training project must be at least $10,000. By statute, an employer may not receive more than $200,000 per year from the program.
Contact the Commerce regional representative who covers the county or region where you are located. There is no online application portal.
Funding Source and Required Disclosures
PWQ was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1989. The authorizing statute - PDF is published by Commerce as a PDF.
Program resources:
- PWQ Statute (PDF) - PDF - 93.71 KB
- Commerce Regional Representatives
- Form GADX-10 — EFT Registration (PDF) - PDF
Applicants should consult the authorizing statute and applicable regulations for the complete legal requirements governing this program.
Contact
To apply:
Contact the Commerce regional representative for your county or region.
About an existing application:
Email: [email protected]