City Launches Skilled to Build
Published on December 08, 2025
The Initiative Prepares Regional Businesses and Workforce for Mobility Infrastructure Projects
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Dec. 8, 2025) - The City of Charlotte has introduced its new Skilled to Build initiative to equip small businesses, employers and talent for opportunities arising from future mobility investments. The first phase of the program launched today, and organizations are invited to apply.
Skilled to Build includes areas focusing on economic opportunity and impact as the city prepares for mobility and infrastructure contracts emerging by way of the voter-approved one-cent sales tax referendum. The tax, approved by voters in November, is estimated to generate $19.4 billion over the next 30 years to enhance public transportation and roadway infrastructure across Mecklenburg County.
Under the Skilled to Build initiative, the Small Business Readiness Fund will help local small businesses gain the skills, technical support and resources they need to compete for upcoming contracts.
Small Business Readiness will be delivered in three phases:
- Curriculum Development (Request for Proposals): Creating a customized training curriculum to prepare small businesses for contracting opportunities.
- Program Delivery (Grants): Multiple grants will be provided for organizations to deliver the program, providing training to strengthen business capacity.
- Ongoing Technical Assistance (Grants): Multiple grants will be awarded to organizations to deliver technical assistance and tools that support businesses in achieving success.
A Mobility Workforce Readiness component will help develop a skilled workforce for future transportation projects and connect employers to talent, training, apprenticeships and upskilling opportunities. Skilled to Build also includes business engagement to provide small business certification, technical guidance and outreach and access to resources, so businesses can compete for city procurement opportunities.
Charlotte Economic Development and Workforce Development will collaborate closely with its network of resource partners to deliver the programs and assistance.
Current Opportunities
Curriculum Development
The city is seeking proposals from experienced organizations and businesses in small business development, training and technical support to develop a curriculum for the initiative.
Proposals for this phase must be submitted by 10 a.m. on Jan. 15, 2026. For more information, contact Anika Ellis, senior economic development specialist, at 704-651-6759 or anika.ellis@charlottenc.gov.
Talent Development and Training
The city is seeking grant proposals from qualified organizations to deliver education and training programs aimed at developing a skilled talent pipeline for occupations that support transportation infrastructure projects. To increase access to the anticipated employment opportunities and connect Charlotte residents with quality training programs that lead to high-demand, sustainable employment.
Proposals for this phase must be submitted by noon on Jan. 9, 2026.
Employer Engagement and Training
The city is soliciting grant proposals from qualified organizations to support a comprehensive workforce development initiative aimed at expanding high-quality internships, strengthening job placement pipelines, and providing business employee training grants. The selected partner will implement programs that increase access to work-based learning opportunities for high school students, link employers with job-ready candidates, and deliver employee training solutions that help businesses grow and remain competitive. The selected organization will also be instrumental in connecting talent with employment opportunities in growth sectors and industries. Transportation and transit infrastructure will be a key priority.
Proposals for this phase must be submitted by noon on Jan. 9, 2026.
For additional details on these requests for grant proposals, including virtual information sessions, criteria and how to apply, visit the Skilled to Build webpage.