Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Development (AMP’D) Iowa Program
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Grants and Scholarships
What is AMP’D Iowa?
Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Development (AMP’D) Iowa is a new initiative created to help businesses in advanced manufacturing strengthen their most valuable resource: a skilled workforce. As part of the federal Industry-Driven Skills Training Fun (ALN 17.280)administered by Iowa Workforce Development, AMP’D will provide $4.3 million in funding to reimburse Iowa’s advanced manufacturing businesses for the design and implementation of employer-led training programs that develop a more skilled and competitive workforce.
All Iowa employers operating in the advanced manufacturing sector are encouraged to review the qualifying criteria and consider applying.
How AMP’D Iowa Helps Manufacturers
Eligible employers can receive up to 80% reimbursement to train newly hired or current employees, offsetting costs and helping accelerate needed upskilling in their workforce. AMP’D Iowa supports Iowa's advanced manufacturing workforce by:
Building a pipeline of skilled workers, including current employees who can be quickly upskilled.
Offsetting the high cost of training and improving overall worker retention.
Aligning worker training with the technological needs of tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 23: An informational webinar will be held at 1:00 p.m. Interested employers in the advanced manufacturing sector can register here:RSVP for Webinar (Zoom).
Additional grant webinars will be scheduled for future dates. Check back for updates from IWD in the coming weeks.
Monday, June 29: Applications can start to be received on iowagrants.gov.
Background
AMP’D Iowa builds on the success of Iowa’s industry-led Manufacturing 4.0 initiative, which helps manufacturers invest in the smart technology and digital equipment needed to adapt and compete amid a rapid digital transformation. AMP’D Iowa will fulfill another critical need for the industry by supporting the establishment of unique employer programs that help close skilled labor gaps and create new pipelines of workers.
The new initiative is part of a $4.7 million grant awarded to the state from the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund, which was created to address critical workforce needs across the country. Iowa was one of 14 states to receive an award.
AMP’D Iowa Program
Available Funding
Eligible employers can receive up to 80% reimbursement (maximum of $4,000 per employee and $250,000 per business) for training newly hired or current employees.
Eligible Organizations
Employers must operate in the advanced manufacturing sector in Iowa and meet other qualifying criteria to be considered. Priority funding will be given to eligible small and medium-sized employers (0-499 employees). The eligible list of occupations will be posted soon.
Application Period
Applications from eligible Iowa manufacturers will be acceptedstarting on Monday, June 29 on iowagrants.gov. Grant applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Grant Materials
List items for Grant Materials for AMP'd Iowa
The AMP’D Iowa Program Manual will be released soon, which will providea full summary and list of requirements for the grant program.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for AMP'D Iowa will be posted on Monday, June 29 when the grant opportunity becomes available on iowagrants.gov.
Employers selected for this award must meet all federal reporting requirements, including completing the IWD Participant Report for every employee taking part in the training. Only employees listed on this report will be considered. Employers must also provide wage documentation such as timesheets, pay stubs, and course schedules that clearly identify training hours and align with the approved program. All submitted expenses must be directly tied to a participating employee. Monthly reports are required throughout the agreement period and must include updates on training completions, credentials earned, pay increases, and job retention outcomes.
The grant reporting template will become available on Monday, June 29 when the grant opportunity opens on iowagrants.gov.
The IWD Participant Report consists of three sections covering participant details, information prior to training, and monthly reporting at program completion. Employers must complete all fields as instructed, including demographic information, hire dates, training start dates, job titles, wages before and after training, training completion status, and details on credentials earned. Reporting is due by the 10th day of each month and must reflect activity from the prior 30‑or 31‑day period.
Award amounts will vary based on the proposed training plan and total eligible cost of the training program. Employers are eligible to receive up to 80% of the eligible training expense on a reimbursement basis.
The maximum reimbursement ceiling for each employer is $250,000, regardless of the size of the employer or number of employee participation.
The maximum reimbursement ceiling per eligible employee is $4,000.
No advanced payments will be administered. Reimbursements are provided to awarded employers based on the number of eligible employees completing the training program and will be administered on a tiered basis identified in Table 1 below.
Reimbursement Tiers
Reimbursement Tier
Milestone 1
Training Completion
Milestone 2
Job Retention after Training Completion
Total Reimbursement of Actual Training Costs
Tier 1
(less than 250 employees)
40%
40%
80%
Tier 2
(250-499 employees)
32%
33%
65%
Tier 3
500 or more employees)
25%
25%
50%
Table 1. Reimbursement Tiers - Reimbursement amounts will be scaled based on the number of full-time employees at the location of the employer.
Employer size is based on the total number of employees employed with the employer. To receive reimbursement, employers must formally agree to program and individual employee reporting requirements and valid expense documentation. Employers will be required to verify training completions, credential attainment and employee retention at six (6) months post-training completion.
Reimbursements are processed at two milestones:
Milestone 1 – upon the completion of the training program
Milestone 2 – upon job retention with the employer for six (6)-months post-training
The Request for Funds Receipt Template will become available on Monday, June 29 when the grant opportunity opens on iowagrants.gov.
To be considered eligible, advanced manufacturing organizations must have a physical location in the State of Iowa, employ residents of Iowa, and conduct business in the state. Employers must have a NAICS Code classification of 31, 32, or 33 to be eligible. Eligible occupations must be listed in the certified H1B occupation list.
In addition, advanced manufacturing organizations must also:
Not have conducted any layoffs within the last six (6) months prior to the application date.
Be in good standing with the State of Iowa (not currently in bankruptcy or pre-bankruptcy, nor be presently in arrears with taxes or owe money to the State of Iowa).
Be registered with and establish a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through SAM.gov prior to submission of an application.
Provide the unique entity identifier (UEI) with the application submission. Awarded businesses will be required to maintain an active registration in SAM.gov through the federal interest period of this award.
By the Numbers
AMP’D Iowa supports the long‑term success of one of the state's largest and fastest‑growing industries.
14.6%
Expected growth rate in Iowa’s manufacturing sector (expected national average: 5.7%
217,060
Number of Iowans employed in the manufacturing sector (2025)
$250,000
Maximum amount in reimbursement funds that eligible employers can receive through AMP’D Iowa.
Grant Questions
For questions on AMP’D Iowa, please use the contact information below.
