PROVIDENCE – Up to $1.2 million in matching grant funds will be made available to Rhode Island businesses for worker training. The announcement was made last week by the Governor’s Workforce Board of Rhode Island.

Grants are available through the Rhode Island Job Development Fund and will be judged on their ability to increase worker productivity, to improve operational efficiencies and to encourage workplace innovation, talent development and promotion opportunities.

Only businesses that pay into the Job Development Fund are eligible to apply.

Copies of the request for proposals may be downloaded at www.gwb.ri.gov. Proposals are due not later than April 27.

The awards will vary depending on the size of the company. Small businesses of less than 50 employees may apply for up to $10,000 in matching funds; businesses of 50-249 employees may apply for up to $25,000 in matching funds; and larger businesses of 250 or more employees may apply for up to $40,000.

In addition to matching funding, up to $10,000 in bonus funding is available to successful applicants that provide a summer work experience or school-year internships to youths who have been referred by the R.I. Department of Labor and Training’s YouthWORKS411 centers. •