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Charlotte Launches Skilled to Build Training Program

The city initiative aims to help small businesses compete for local construction contracts.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Construction

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Charlotte has launched the Skilled to Build initiative to prepare small businesses for upcoming local infrastructure construction contract bidding requirements. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Charlotte has introduced the Skilled to Build initiative to equip small businesses with the operational knowledge needed to secure construction contracts. This program follows a 1% sales tax increase in Mecklenburg County designed to fund long-term transportation infrastructure projects.

Why it matters

The program addresses a looming labor gap, as city reports indicate that construction demand will outpace the local workforce capacity by 2030. Training small firms to handle these projects is essential to managing the city's future infrastructure needs.

Mecklenburg County expects its 1% sales tax increase to generate $19.4 billion for transportation projects. Growmetix is developing a six-course curriculum for the city that features two-hour core sessions and one-hour bonus sessions.

The players

Charlotte

The city is the primary site of the Skilled to Build initiative designed to bolster local construction firm capacity.

Mecklenburg County

The county implemented a tax increase that is expected to generate $19.4 billion to fund regional transportation projects.

Growmetix

The company is developing a six-course training curriculum tailored for the Skilled to Build initiative.

The details

Growmetix is designing the six-course curriculum by interviewing subject matter experts and business owners to cover operational hurdles such as legal requirements and capital access. The in-person training sessions focus exclusively on business administration rather than trade skill development.

Timeline

  1. July 1, 2026: The 1% sales tax increase went into effect.

  2. Early 2027: Applications for the first training cohort launch.

  3. 2027: The first training cohort begins sessions.

  4. 2030: Construction demand is projected to exceed local labor capacity.

  5. 2040: Construction demand is projected to peak.

Market Landscape

The Skilled to Build program aligns with the city's strategy to keep tax-funded construction spending within the local economy by preparing small contractors for competitive bidding. This effort mirrors a broader trend of municipalities investing in workforce development to ensure internal labor capacity for major public works projects.

Small business owners in the construction sector can expect new opportunities to bid on municipal projects as the city increases infrastructure spending. Residents may see long-term transportation projects proceed more efficiently as the local pool of qualified contractors grows.

The takeaway

Small businesses should prepare for the application cycle by reviewing the program's focus on operational and legal requirements. Strengthening these foundations is critical for any firm looking to scale their operations in anticipation of the projected 2030 construction boom.

What happens next

Applications for the first training cohort will open in early 2027, with the program officially launching later that year.

Further reading

Learn more about local development in our Charlotte Construction section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Charlotte Observer.

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Do you believe city-led business training programs effectively prepare local companies for future economic opportunities?