Quick answer: Employers in San Bernardino County can get public funding for employee training through the county's Incumbent Worker Training program and California's Employment Training Panel (ETP). Under the county's policy, employers with 50 or fewer employees contribute a 10% match, so funding can cover most of the training cost. The Ayangbah Foundation delivers employer training onsite, in San Bernardino or online, and can help you start the funding conversation.
Option 1: San Bernardino County Incumbent Worker Training
San Bernardino County Workforce Development can fund training for your current employees to help your business stay competitive and avoid layoffs. Under the Workforce Development Board's Incumbent Worker Training policy, the employer pays a share of the cost based on company size, in cash or in-kind:
50 or fewer employees: 10% employer match
51 to 100 employees: 25% employer match
More than 100 employees: 50% employer match
The county's share covers training delivery, not employee wages during training. Employers need a valid California Employer Account Number and must follow state and federal labor laws. If your workers are represented by a union, a letter of support from the union is required.
How to start: contact San Bernardino County Workforce Development Business Services at (800) 451-JOBS or info.Workforce@eda.sbcounty.gov.
Option 2: California Employment Training Panel (ETP)
ETP funds training that employers choose for their own workers, paid for by California's Employment Training Tax. Key points:
Employers pick the workers, the training plan and the trainer.
Employers match at least $1 for every $1 the state spends.
Funding is performance-based: it is earned after trainees finish training and stay employed for at least 90 days at the required wage.
Most businesses ETP serves have 250 or fewer employees.
How to start: contact ETP at Connect@etp.ca.gov or 916-737-4181.
Training employers ask us for most
SB 553 Workplace Violence Prevention training: $29 per employee. Most California employers must train employees on their plan every year.
Supervisor & Team Lead Training: one day, $299 per person or $2,495 onsite for up to 12 leads.
AI at Work (ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot): 6 hours, $295 per person, team sessions available.
QuickBooks or Excel Essentials: 12 hours, $297 per seat.
Every course is available onsite at your workplace, in downtown San Bernardino or live online.
How The Ayangbah Foundation works with employers
The Ayangbah Foundation is a 501(c)(3) workforce development nonprofit in downtown San Bernardino and an approved work-experience worksite with San Bernardino County Workforce Development. We build training around your team's schedule, provide certificates of completion, and can share course outlines and pricing you need for a funding request.
Frequently asked questions
Can the government pay for my employees' training?
Often, yes. In San Bernardino County, Incumbent Worker Training and California's ETP both fund employer training, with an employer match that depends on the program and company size.
How much does a small business pay for county-funded training?
Under the county's Incumbent Worker Training policy, employers with 50 or fewer employees contribute a 10% match, in cash or in-kind.
Do you train onsite?
Yes. We train onsite anywhere in the Inland Empire, at our downtown San Bernardino classroom, or live online.
How do I get a quote?
Call or text (909) 454-7076, email info@ayangbahfoundation.org, or visit our employer and partner page.
Funding rules are from San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board Policy 5 and the California Employment Training Panel. Funding is subject to eligibility and availability. Confirm current details with each agency.