Project HIRE, an Economic Development Program

Author: Stephen L. Offord, Job Bank

February 2010

This past year has been particularly challenging for Montgomery County workers and employers. Many people have been dislocated and are searching for employment.

Thanks to funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), a statewide initiative, Project Hire, has been established to assist dislocated workers in finding employment.

Project “Hometown Investment in Regional Economies” (HIRE) is a collaboration among the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), the Ohio Board of Regents (OBOR) University System of Ohio, and the local Workforce Investment Boards (WIB)/local One-Stop Systems. The goal of Project HIRE is to help connect and give incentives to employers that have current job openings to hire dislocated workers who have or are close to having the skills necessary to fill those positions.

To this end, Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services again invites you to participate in this initiative while funding is available. The total state-wide funding of $7 million will be issued for businesses to employ eligible job seekers on a first-come, first-serve basis. Employers can receive up to a $6000 stipend per hired employee to assist with short-term training. There is no cost for business participation but the financial assistance will only be provided while
funding is available.

If your organization currently has open positions, you are strongly encouraged to call our Hotline at 937-225-6444 to find out how Project Hire might help you with your staffing needs.