Does Arkansas pay for employee training?

Arkansas: Hire anyone

The application asks whether training will be in-house or by a third party, and a training provider may submit the application on the company behalf. No list, no catalogue, no in-state vendor requirement. The rules add a preference rather than a mandate, asking applicants to use state-supported institutions where practicable. An outside vendor is actually treated better than an internal trainer, who is reimbursed at only 25 to 50%. The Existing Workforce Training Program is a legacy name replaced in 2015 and the old address now redirects.

Does AI training qualify? Not named, but the category covers it

Artificial intelligence is not named in the rules, but funding priorities include computer and information technology and STEM, and the customized technical category covers specialized technical skills. The agency, not the applicant, assigns the category, and that decides whether you get 50% or 75%.

What to watch

Open year round. The FAQ updated August 7, 2026 states the agency funds throughout the year and does not exhaust its budget. Apply before training begins and no more than 30 days ahead, finish within six months, expect review in one to three weeks and payment in 14 to 21 business days. One term to price in: training programs created with grant funding must be disclosed to the state and may be replicated and reused by Arkansas state agencies at no further cost.

Does Arkansas pay for training employees we already have?

Yes. Arkansas runs Office of Skills Development training grants. There is no approved-provider list standing between you and the trainer you choose. You pick the trainer, pay the invoice, and claim the reimbursement. Reimburses Up to 75%, or 50% for professional development. $250,000 a year, $50,000 for professional development per company.

Can we use our own training provider in Arkansas?

Hire anyone. The application asks whether training will be in-house or by a third party, and a training provider may submit the application on the company behalf. No list, no catalogue, no in-state vendor requirement. The rules add a preference rather than a mandate, asking applicants to use state-supported institutions where practicable. An outside vendor is actually treated better than an internal trainer, who is reimbursed at only 25 to 50%. The Existing Workforce Training Program is a legacy name replaced in 2015 and the old address now redirects.

Does AI training qualify in Arkansas?

Not named, but the category covers it. Artificial intelligence is not named in the rules, but funding priorities include computer and information technology and STEM, and the customized technical category covers specialized technical skills. The agency, not the applicant, assigns the category, and that decides whether you get 50% or 75%.

Is the Arkansas program open right now?

Worth pursuing. Open year round. The FAQ updated August 7, 2026 states the agency funds throughout the year and does not exhaust its budget. Apply before training begins and no more than 30 days ahead, finish within six months, expect review in one to three weeks and payment in 14 to 21 business days. One term to price in: training programs created with grant funding must be disclosed to the state and may be replicated and reused by Arkansas state agencies at no further cost.

Do these grants pay for consulting or implementation work?

No. These are training programs. Several states explicitly exclude consulting, coaching and course development. If the work is building you a system it is not reimbursable; if it is instructor-led training for your W-2 staff with defined hours and a completion record, it generally is.