Workforce Training Fund Express Program

Get Free Workforce Training with Codeforce Through Government Grants

APRIL 2025 – SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT from https://commcorp.org/

Funding for training grants from the Workforce Training Fund Program has been exhausted for State Fiscal Year 2025 (July 2024 – June 2025). Applications for both Express Program and General Program grants have been paused until funds for State Fiscal Year 2026 (July 2025 – June 2026) are available. While specific dates are not yet available, we hope applications can be submitted again in July 2025. Learn more here.

Empowering Businesses & Entrepreneurs Through Grant-Funded Digital Training

At CodeForce.us Digital Consulting, we are committed to bridging the digital divide by providing high-end digital training to businesses and entrepreneurs—especially those from low-income backgrounds or just starting out.

I’m Stephanie Stoudenmire, CEO of CodeForce.us, and my passion is teaching. I personally lead our training programs because I believe digital skills are the foundation for business success in today’s world. By leveraging Massachusetts’ Workforce Training Fund Express Program, we help businesses access grant-funded training, making it easier for companies to upskill their employees without the financial burden.

If you’re looking to invest in employee development while maximizing state funding, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process—from eligibility verification to application and training completion.

Cheers and Happy Training!
Steph Stoudenmire
Codeforce.US Founder & SHEO

Why Does Codeforce Participate in Mass Workforce Training Fund Program?

At CodeForce.us, we believe that economic empowerment starts with access to knowledge. Many entrepreneurs and small businesses struggle to afford top-tier digital training, which puts them at a disadvantage in today’s tech-driven economy. By providing state-funded training, we ensure that businesses—regardless of size or financial situation—can:

Strengthen their workforce with high-impact digital skills

Equip employees with cutting-edge digital skills that boost efficiency, innovation, and adaptability in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Compete with larger companies in the digital marketplace

Leverage top-tier training and technology to enhance your digital presence, automate processes, and stay ahead of industry trends—without the corporate budget.

Empower employees to grow in their careers

Investing in professional development increases job satisfaction, retention, and overall productivity, helping employees advance while strengthening your company’s talent pool.

Give back to the local economy by building stronger businesses

A well-trained workforce leads to thriving businesses, job creation, and economic growth, creating opportunities that benefit the entire community.

Feeling Overwhelmed?

Let a Codeforce.US Representative help you apply. We promise it is not as hard as it looks and our goal is to get you free training for your business to empower you, not to overwhelm you. There is no shame is setting up a free appointment with us to help you and your team as soon as possible.

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STEP 1: Confirm Your Business Eligibility

At CodeForce.us Digital Consulting, we streamline the process for Massachusetts businesses to access fully or partially reimbursed training through the Workforce Training Fund Express Program. Before moving forward, the first step is confirming eligibility and gathering the necessary documentation.
To qualify for Express Program funding, your business must meet these four key requirements:

1. Your Business Must Be Located in Massachusetts
Your company must have a physical presence in Massachusetts, such as an office, facility, or headquarters.
Businesses operating only remotely with no in-state address may not qualify.

2. Your Business Must Contribute to the Workforce Training Fund
Most for-profit businesses in Massachusetts contribute automatically through unemployment insurance (UI) taxes.
If you are unsure whether your company contributes, check your Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) account or consult your payroll provider.

3. Your Employees Must Be on Payroll & Working in Massachusetts
The Express Program only covers training for W-2 employees working in-state.
Contractors (1099 workers), temporary workers, and employees outside Massachusetts are NOT eligible for funding.

4. You Must Have a Certificate of Good Standing *See Below*
Before applying for a training grant, your company needs to provide a Certificate of Good Standing from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR). This document confirms your business is up to date with state taxes and obligations.

How do I get a Certificate of Good Standing?

The Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) strongly advises using MassTaxConnect for the fastest and easiest way to get your Certificate of Good Standing.

Steps Using MassTaxConnect:
1. Access MassTaxConnect:
Go to the official MassTaxConnect website: mass.gov/masstaxconnect
You’ll see options for “Individuals” and “Businesses.” Select the appropriate one.

2. Log In or Request (If Not Registered):
If you have an account: Log in with your credentials.
If you do not have an account: MassTaxConnect does provide options for people that do not have accounts to still request the certificate. Follow the prompts on the homepage under the business or individual sections.

3. Navigate to “Request a Certificate of Good Standing”:
Once logged in, look for a section labeled “More” or “Other Actions.”
Within that section, you should find an option to “Request a Certificate of Good Standing.”

4. Complete the Request:
You’ll be asked to provide information about your business.
You’ll also need to select the “Reason for Certificate Request” from a dropdown menu.
Carefully fill out all required fields.

5. Submit and Pay (If Applicable):
Review your information and submit the request.
If there’s a fee, you’ll be prompted to make a payment.

6. Receive Your Certificate:
If your business is in good standing, the DOR will process your request.
In many cases, you can access and print the certificate directly from MassTaxConnect.
Also in many cases, the certificate will be mailed to you.

Important Notes:
Compliance: Before you begin, ensure your business is up-to-date with all tax filings and payments.
Website Changes: Website layouts can change, so use these instructions as a general guide.
DOR Support: If you encounter any difficulties, contact the DOR directly for assistance.

What if I work from home but have W2 Employees?

In order to be eligible for funding, Massachusetts-based businesses must meet the following guideline:
“Massachusetts businesses” are defined as companies with work being performed in Massachusetts that have an office, factory, warehouse or other physical location in Massachusetts. Neither employees’ home addresses nor P.O. boxes can be counted as locations for this purpose. Only companies that meet this definition and all other program guidelines can be approved for a Workforce Training Fund grant.”

Can solo business owners participate in this program?

If they are not Massachusetts W-2 payroll employees of the organization that is receiving funds, they would not be eligible for grant funds through the Express Program

STEP 2: Easy Self-Assessment & Personalized Help

We’ve made it simple to figure out your training needs. Just fill out our Training Intake Form. It asks about your goals and what skills you want to improve.
We know this process can have questions. If you need any help, just reach out! We’re happy to:

Answer quick questions by email. contact@codeforce.us
Hop on a call or answer a text to explain things. 413-887-4355
Do a Zoom meeting to discuss your needs. (schedule)

Our team is here to help you choose the right training and make the most of the Workforce Training Fund Express Program.

Answer the Training Intake Form

Find which course would suit your needs best and give Codeforce a heads up on other courses we should offer! Take the first step towards tailored training. Complete the form and we’ll guide you through the process. Please don’t hesitate to call for questions.

Architect working on landscape plan displayed on laptop with hands typing on keyboard.

Canva and AI for Social Media Applications

WHAT: Learning Objectives and Course Topics

This course teaches small business owners and professionals how to create engaging social media content using Canva and AI tools. By the end of the training, participants will:

Use Canva to design professional social media posts for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to generate engaging captions, hashtags, and content ideas.

Master branding basics, including color selection, typography, and visual consistency.

Learn how to export and schedule posts efficiently to save time and maintain a strong online presence.

Discover free and paid resources to enhance social media marketing efforts.

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WHO: Ideal Audience for This Course

This course is perfect for:

Small business owners and entrepreneurs who need to create professional marketing materials.

Nonprofits and organizations looking to improve social media outreach.

Freelancers and independent professionals who want to build a strong personal brand.

Artists, makers, and creatives who need to promote their work visually.

Beginners who need an easy-to-use tool to create high-quality social media content.

The training is accessible to all skill levels, with no prior design experience required.

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WHY: Importance of Taking This Course

Time-Saving & Cost-Effective: Learn to create professional-quality marketing materials without hiring a designer.

Stronger Online Presence: Increase visibility with AI-assisted captions and visually appealing graphics.

Hands-On Learning: Participants leave the session with ready-to-use social media content.

Competitive Advantage: Stay ahead of marketing trends by integrating AI-driven content creation.

This course provides practical, real-world applications to help businesses and individuals enhance their digital presence and reach new audiences.

$350 pp / $2,500 groups
FREE FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES

Canva and AI for Social Media Applications Pt 2

WHAT: Learning Objectives and Course Topics

This advanced course builds on the foundational Canva and AI skills learned in Level 1, helping business owners and professionals create high-performing social media content. Participants will:

Advanced Canva Techniques: Design animated posts, carousels, and interactive graphics to boost engagement.

AI-Driven Social Media Strategy: Use AI tools like ChatGPT to plan and generate a month’s worth of content quickly.

Branding & Consistency at Scale: Implement cohesive branding strategies using Canva’s brand kits, templates, and bulk editing features.

SEO-Optimized Social Media Content: Learn how AI can improve captions, hashtags, and search visibility.

AI-Powered Video & Audio Content: Explore tools for AI-generated short-form video, voiceovers, and multimedia content.

Scheduling & Automation: Integrate Canva designs with social media scheduling tools for a streamlined workflow.

AI Image Generation & Editing: Utilize AI-powered enhancements, background removal, and custom graphics for unique content.

Performance Tracking & Optimization: Use AI-driven analytics to refine content strategies for maximum engagement.

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WHO: Ideal Audience for This Course

This Level 2 course is ideal for:

Small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to improve their online presence with advanced AI-driven content creation.

Freelancers and independent professionals looking to scale their content production efficiently.

Social media managers who want to automate and optimize content creation using AI.

Marketing professionals who need high-quality branded content quickly.

Prerequisite: Familiarity with basic Canva tools and AI-assisted content creation (such as the skills covered in Level 1).

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WHY: Importance of Taking This Course

Increased Efficiency: Automate content creation and planning to save time.

Higher Engagement: Use AI-driven techniques to create visually appealing, shareable content.

Data-Driven Success: Leverage AI-powered analytics to refine your social media strategy.

Competitive Edge: Stay ahead of marketing trends with cutting-edge AI tools and automation strategies.

Hands-On Application: Leave with a ready-to-use AI-enhanced content plan for the next month.

$400 pp / $2,800 groups
FREE FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES

Introduction to Facebook for Business – Express Program

WHAT: Learning Objectives and Course Topics

This course teaches small business owners and professionals how to establish and grow their presence on Facebook for business. By the end of the training, participants will:

Create and optimize a professional Facebook Business Page.

Understand and leverage Facebook’s algorithm to increase visibility.

Develop a content strategy and create engaging posts for their target audience.

Learn the basics of Facebook advertising to reach a wider audience.

Master techniques for engaging with their audience and building a community.

Learn how to track and analyze Facebook insights to improve their strategy.

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WHO: Ideal Audience for This Course

This course is perfect for:

Small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to establish or improve their Facebook presence.

Marketing professionals and social media managers new to Facebook for Business.

Organizations looking to enhance their outreach through Facebook.

Individuals seeking to learn the fundamentals of Facebook marketing for business growth.

Beginners who need an easy-to-understand guide to using Facebook for business.

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WHY: Importance of Taking This Course

Establish a professional online presence and improve credibility.

Increase visibility and reach a larger audience.

Drive traffic and generate leads using Facebook’s business tools.

Build stronger relationships with customers through engagement strategies.

Gain a competitive edge by leveraging Facebook’s marketing features effectively.

$400 pp / $3,500 groups
FREE FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES

STEP 3: Secure Your Spot – Approval & Payment

Upon eligibility verification, you’ll receive immediate enrollment confirmation. We’ll then schedule your training and secure your place with payment. Following training completion, we provide comprehensive assistance with the reimbursement application process. Expect training scheduling within 1-2 weeks and reimbursement processing in 4-6 weeks post-application.

Do I have to pay CodeForce.us before the grant is dispersed?

Yes, payment to CodeForce.us is required to secure your training spot and prior to the submission of your reimbursement application to the Commonwealth Corporation. The grant program is a reimbursement model, meaning you pay for the training upfront and then receive the funds back from the state.

How long does it take to get reimbursed?

Reimbursement processing times can vary, but typically, businesses receive their funds within 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete and accurate application to the Commonwealth Corporation.

What if my application is denied?

We provide thorough guidance to ensure your application is complete and accurate, minimizing the risk of denial. However, the final decision rests with the Commonwealth Corporation.

Will you help me with the reimbursement paperwork?

Absolutely! We will guide you through the entire reimbursement application process, ensuring you have all the necessary documents and information.

Empower your employees, grow your business. Contact us to learn more.

Develop your workforce, expand your business. Contact us to learn more. Equip your team for success in the digital age. Contact us while this tremendous opportunity is available.

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