The Workforce & Business Development Program (W&B) provides all services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), as well as assists area small businesses providing business development services.
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The W&B Program serves Pike County and the surrounding area offering expertise in small business services, free income tax preparation, financial literacy, as well as WIOA and TANF programs and services that prepare adults and youth facing serious barriers to employment.
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The program is an active partner of OhioMeansJobs. The OhioMeansJobs Career Center offers an array of free resources for job search, career planning, and access to community resources. The Career Center is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Anyone seeking employment can visit the Career Center during normal business hours.
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Some of the W&B Services offered include Career Readiness Workshops, Customized Training, Occupational Classroom Training, On-the-Job Training (OJT), Internship Training, Youth Programs, and Resume Development Services. Monies are allocated specifically for youth between the ages of 14-24, adults that are unemployed or incumbent workers, individuals unemployed due to a plant closure or long-term unemployed, and individuals with little or no work experience. Youth applicants must meet 100% of the Poverty Guidelines or 70% of the Lower Living Standard Income Levels (whichever is highest) or meet specified criteria. Adult applicants must meet 200% of the Poverty Guidelines, and Dislocated Workers must have a notice of permanent layoff or plant closure prior to enrollment.
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Services offered to area small businesses (including start-ups) include The Business Resource Network (BRN), small business classes and one-on-one training and technical assistance, computer training, as well as the Small Business Loan Program which offers financing to individuals in Jackson, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Adams, Brown, and Lawrence Counties wanting to start, expand, or purchase a small business.