Operational Guidance | OG 01-2026: Local Workforce Development Board Employer Engagement Grants for Program Year (PY) 2026
- Date: April 30, 2026
- Subject: Local Workforce Development Board Employer Engagement Grants for Program Year (PY) 2026
- From: Andrea L. DeSantis, Assistant Secretary for Workforce
Purpose:
To provide guidance and funding in the form of Employer Engagement Grants to Local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) to support the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships (the Council) goal to engage with 50,000 employers.
Background:
In 2025, the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships released a report outlining goals and strategies to advance workforce development across North Carolina. As part of these efforts, a goal to “engage 50,000 employers to partner with The Council on achieving its goals” was established. To support this goal, a 50K Employer Engagement Campaign will be rolled out using an employer interest form that will connect employers to workforce system partners.
Engaging with businesses is a key component of business services delivery and WDBs will play an important role in supporting the engagement required to meet the Council’s goals. Grant funding will be used to help WDBs be responsive to new employer referrals and strengthen their business services teams.
The Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS) will evaluate each request and award up to $50,000 to each WDB to support achievement of approved outcomes. Funding will be used to help optimize business services delivery and provide additional support to respond to 50K Employer Engagement Campaign. This could include:
- Supporting innovative models of conducting business services such as developing a partner referral system or fee for service models
- Restructuring internal business services systems to be more responsive to business needs and inclusive of external partners- examples could include staffing support or developing contracts and MOUs with external partners.
- Employer Engagement- facilitating convenings with employers or offering direct support
- Building local and regional staff capacity.
- Enhancing work-based learning and apprenticeship offerings through employer convenings
Action:
WDBs may apply for Employer Engagement grants in amounts up to $50,000 (per WDB) by completing and submitting the request form (Attachment). Grant requests should be submitted by July 15, 2026. . WDBs are encouraged to submit regional applications. These regional applications will be eligible for additional funding (up to 25%) of the total requested. For instance, if two WDBs submit a joint application they would be eligible for up to $125,000 total to be shared between the two WDBs.
Funding requests must include a budget, clear outcomes, and deliverables that will be met at the conclusion of the funding period. Joint applications must demonstrate how the WDBs will work together to serve their broader service area. WDBs are required to spend at least half of the grant funding by June 30, 2027, and the budget must reflect this requirement. A WDB representative must attend at least three of the coordinated 120 Day Sprint sessions to be receive grant funds.. Grants will be awarded after the completion of the 120 Day Sprint.
Training and technical assistance for all grant recipients will be coordinated by the Industry and Talent Development Unit throughout the planning year and monthly progress reporting will be required.
Effective Date:
Immediately
Expiration:
June 30, 2028
Contact:
Industry and Talent Development Unit
Attachment:
Employer Engagement Funding Application and Budget