New Hampshire's WorkInvestNH program helps employers invest in employee training, improve workforce skills and strengthen business competitiveness. Companies relocating to the Granite State may also qualify.
New Hampshire businesses looking to strengthen their workforce, expand operations or improve employee skills have access to a state-supported training grant program designed to help offset the cost of workforce development.
The WorkInvestNH program, administered through New Hampshire Employment Security, provides financial assistance to eligible businesses investing in training for existing employees.
For companies already operating in New Hampshire, as well as businesses planning to relocate or establish operations in the state, the program offers an opportunity to develop workforce capabilities while sharing training costs with the state.
The initiative is particularly relevant as employers across New Hampshire seek skilled workers in manufacturing, technology, healthcare, construction, professional services and other industries.
By helping employers invest in their existing workforce, WorkInvestNH supports employee development, business productivity and long-term economic competitiveness.
What Is WorkInvestNH?
WorkInvestNH is a workforce training grant program intended to help eligible New Hampshire employers improve the skills and capabilities of their employees. The program supports structured training that strengthens workers' existing skills, introduces new technical competencies or prepares employees for additional responsibilities.
Rather than requiring employers to bear the entire financial burden of training, WorkInvestNH uses a matching-grant structure that allows participating businesses to share eligible training expenses.
The program can support businesses seeking to modernize operations, introduce new technologies, improve workplace safety or develop future supervisors and managers.
For businesses considering a move to New Hampshire, the availability of workforce training assistance may be an important factor when evaluating the state's business environment.
Who Is Eligible for WorkInvestNH Training Grants?
The program is available to qualifying businesses and co-applicants that are physically located in New Hampshire or intend to establish a physical presence in the state.
Applicants must comply with applicable state laws and regulations and satisfy the program's employer eligibility requirements, including applicable unemployment insurance obligations.
Eligible training participants include existing workers who reside in New Hampshire or work for a qualifying business located, or planning to locate, within the state.
This creates an opportunity for companies relocating to New Hampshire to incorporate employee training into their business expansion plans.
How Much Funding Can Businesses Receive?
One of WorkInvestNH's most important features is its matching-fund requirement.
Participating employers must contribute at least an equal amount toward eligible training expenses, creating a minimum 1:1 match between employer investment and grant funding.
For example, a company planning a $40,000 eligible training initiative could potentially receive $20,000 in grant assistance while contributing the remaining $20,000 itself, subject to program approval.
Example: $40,000 eligible training project
Employer contribution
$20,000
Potential state grant
$20,000
Illustrative example only. Funding is not guaranteed and depends on eligibility, approval and available program resources.
Under the program's administrative rules, grants exceeding the applicable $70,000 threshold require approval by the Governor and Executive Council. The rules also establish a minimum grant amount of $750 per application.
What Types of Employee Training Qualify?
WorkInvestNH supports a broad range of workforce development initiatives designed to improve employee performance, productivity and job-related skills.
Eligible training categories include:
- Structured on-site laboratory or classroom training
- Basic workplace skills
- Technical skills and specialized occupational training
- Quality improvement
- Workplace safety
- Management and supervisory development
- English as a Second Language
- Other training programs that enhance New Hampshire's workforce development
These categories give employers flexibility to identify training programs that align with their operational needs. For example, a manufacturing business could seek assistance for technical instruction involving production equipment, while a growing service company might pursue management training for employees moving into supervisory roles.
A technology company establishing operations in New Hampshire could explore whether specialized technical training for its existing workforce qualifies.
The program is not limited to a single industry, although proposed training must satisfy applicable eligibility and approval requirements.
What Expenses Are Not Covered?
Businesses should understand that WorkInvestNH funding is intended for approved training expenses, not general operating costs. The program excludes travel, lodging and meal expenses for trainees. Administrative rules also prohibit using grant funds for employee salaries, wages, bonuses, benefits and certain administrative or entertainment expenses.
Employers should review all proposed training expenses before submitting an application to determine which costs qualify for reimbursement.
Businesses Must Secure Approval Before Training Begins
WorkInvestNH requires participating businesses to obtain approval and have an executed contract in place before beginning the funded training. Under the administrative rules, training generally must begin within three months of grant approval and be completed within 12 months.
Businesses should therefore plan their training schedules well in advance, particularly when coordinating outside instructors, technical certifications or specialized training providers.
The program also requires documentation and reimbursement requests, making accurate recordkeeping an important part of participation.
For growing companies, incorporating workforce training into annual business planning may help ensure that grant applications and proposed training schedules align.
Why WorkInvestNH Matters for Companies Relocating to New Hampshire
For business owners evaluating potential relocation destinations, workforce availability and employee development costs can influence where they choose to operate.
New Hampshire's proximity to major Northeast markets, transportation infrastructure and established business communities already makes the state worth considering for companies planning expansion.
WorkInvestNH adds another consideration by providing an established mechanism for employers to seek financial support for qualifying workforce training.
A company relocating from Massachusetts, for example, may need to train employees on new equipment, introduce updated operating procedures or develop additional management capacity as it establishes a New Hampshire location.
Similarly, an existing New Hampshire company expanding into a larger facility may require new technical skills to support increased production.
In both situations, approved workforce training assistance could reduce the employer's direct training costs.
For small and midsize businesses operating with limited training budgets, this type of assistance may make workforce development projects more financially manageable.
How to Apply for WorkInvestNH
Businesses interested in WorkInvestNH should contact New Hampshire Employment Security to confirm current program availability, funding and application requirements.
Employers can obtain information and application materials through the agency.
WorkInvestNH Program Information
New Hampshire Employment Security
WorkInvestNH Grant Application (PDF)
JobTrainingFund@nhes.nh.gov
New Hampshire Employment Security 45 South Fruit Street, Concord, NH
Before applying, employers should prepare information about their business, the number of employees requiring training, the proposed training provider, anticipated costs and the skills employees are expected to develop.
WorkInvestNH offers eligible employers an opportunity to share the cost of approved employee training while building the workforce capabilities needed for future growth.
For business owners considering establishing, relocating or expanding operations in New Hampshire, understanding available training grants can be a valuable part of the decision-making process.
For more information about starting, relocating or expanding a company in the Granite State, follow the Doing Business in New Hampshire section of Let's Move to New Hampshire News.