Skills Enhancement Training Program

The SET Program provides matching grant funding to Pinellas County employers to help offset the cost of employee training. The goal is to help companies build a stronger, more skilled workforce, improving productivity, innovation, and opportunities for employee career advancement.

Eligible businesses can receive up to 50% reimbursement for approved training expenses, with a maximum of $2,500 per employee, and up to $20,000 per business. The company must provide a dollar-for-dollar match for the approved training costs.

Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two (2) full time employees at the time of the application and be:

• A for-profit business registered in Florida,
• Operating in Pinellas County for at least one year (verified on https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/), and
• Have senior-level management located on site.

The business must also operate within one of the County’s target industries:
Advanced Manufacturing, Aviation/Aerospace, Defense & National Security, Medical Technologies, Business & Financial Services, or Information Technology.

No. Businesses must demonstrate at least one year of established operations in Pinellas County and meet the eligibility and industry requirements to qualify.

Training may include technical, leadership, or professional development courses that:

• Enhance employee skills and productivity,
• Improve wage potential or career advancement, and
• Support company growth and innovation.

Training can be conducted in-person, online, or hybrid by qualified providers such as:

• Accredited colleges or universities
• Private training firms or subject matter experts
• Industry associations or company trainers

Employees must be a Florida resident, a U.S. citizen or legally eligible to work in the U.S. and:

• At least 18 years old,
• Employed for at least 90 days,
• Full-time, permanent or long-term contract workers performing roles relevant to the training. Full time is defined as working a minimum of 32 hours per week with benefits included.

Eligible reimbursable costs include:

• Tuition or course registration fees
• Instructor or trainer fees
• Course materials and supplies
• Certification or examination fees

All expenses must be pre-approved and directly related to the approved training plan.

Businesses may apply and receive SET Program funding once every two years (biennially).

After training completion, businesses must provide:

• Proof of employee course completion,
• Invoices and proof of payment for eligible costs, and
• Any required progress or impact reports.

Reimbursement is issued once all documentation is verified and approved.

Businesses benefit through:

• A more skilled and competitive workforce
• Increased productivity and innovation
• Shared investment that reduces training costs

Employees benefit through:

• Career advancement opportunities
• Higher earning potential
• Industry-recognized credentials and transferable skills

Interested businesses can begin by contacting Pinellas County Economic Development for guidance:

Phone: (727) 464-7489
Email: SETfunding@pinellas.gov
Apply for the SET Program.

Staff are available to assist with eligibility questions, training plan development, and application preparation.