Power Up Indiana, a program launched by Gov. Mike Braun and the Office of Commerce, assists employers by supporting businesses that invest in developing their existing workforce by providing training and wage increases.
“Run by the Department of Workforce Development, Power Up Indiana provides funding for employers in child care, counseling and family support fields to build stronger career pathways for frontline workers while expanding the services families rely on,” according to a press release. These investments also require wage increases of at least 25% while assisting employees in gaining specialized skills, moving into higher-value roles and supporting employers working to meet growing community needs.
“When a child needs extra support or a family needs access to behavioral health care, the quality of the workforce matters,” Braun said. “Power Up Indiana helps employers train the people doing that work, expanding essential family services and creating opportunities for Hoosiers to build successful careers.”
Since its launch in 2025, local businesses have already begun using this program to develop and support their workforce.
Twin Springs Counseling, a rural counseling practice, is on a mission to expand its clinician pipeline through a residency program that provides early-career professionals with mentorship, supervision and specialized training. With funding from Power Up Indiana, the Twin Springs aims to prepare the next generation of behavioral health providers while helping expand access to care for young Hoosiers and families in rural and underserved communities.
Smarty Pants Daycare Ministries is using Power Up funds for workforce training to better support children with behavioral challenges and help staff grow professionally. Employees receive classroom instruction, hands-on experience and one-on-one coaching that prepares them to work with children who need additional support. By investing in staff development, the organization is strengthening classroom quality, expanding program capacity and making trained professionals more accessible to families.
“We celebrate industry leaders statewide who already do this … We’re not just placing workers — we’re building prosperity,” Secretary of Commerce David Adams said in a statement.
According to Power Up Indiana, the initiative aligns with Braun’s four priorities of upskilling Hoosiers, supporting local existing businesses, fueling Main Street innovation and letting regions lead in business.
Upskilling refers to receiving industry-recognized technical training credentials, cross-training or reskilling, leadership development and apprenticeships.
“Power Up Indiana is open to businesses of all sizes, from manufacturers and healthcare providers to logistics firms and Main Street employers,” according to its website.
Businesses that are eligible for this program must meet the following criteria:
• The business is based in Indiana
• Current employees will upskill through “training, certifications, or
leadership pathways”
• The business tracks wage growth
To sign up, business owners can visit powerup.dwd.in.gov, learn about the upskilling options provided and fill out an interest form at dwdportal.dwd.in.gov/bs/bs_landing.
For more information visit in.gov/dwd/power-up/.
Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847.
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
