Incumbent Worker Training Grant News Release

Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board accepting applications for Incumbent Worker Training Grants

New Bern — The Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board (ECWDB) is accepting applications for its Incumbent Worker Training Grant.

The ECWDB provides funding through its Incumbent Worker Training Grant to allow businesses with five or more employees operating in the Eastern Carolina local area (Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Greene, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow, Pamlico, and Wayne Counties) to skill up their existing workforce to meet the challenges of changes to production and market demands. The maximum amount is $10,000 per grant, per program a year, with a lifetime funding limit of $40,000.

The "skill-ups" addressed in a grant application can be a result of changing market conditions, a worker(s) changing responsibilities/requirements in their job, or for enhancement to production or services as part of the applicant organization's operations that will result in increased knowledge, certifications, and value to the company.

Eligibility is limited to North Carolina for-profit and not-for-profit businesses, with five or more employees that have been in operation in North Carolina for a minimum of one year before the submission deadline date, are current on all federal and state tax obligations, and are financially viable. Applications are available upon request from the Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board office. Applications should be submitted directly to the ECWDB at admin@ecwdb.org. ECWDB may request additional information or establish supplemental provisions and requirements for the training applications.

Incumbent Worker Training Grants are awarded on a competitive, as-needed basis. They are dependent upon the availability of funding. Grant Applications will be accepted from Wednesday, December 1, until Thursday, December 30, 2021.

Applicants should expect to be notified of their application status on March 4 of 2022.

For more information on this grant or to request an application, please contact a member of the Eastern Carolina Business Services team at 252-636-6901 or by email at admin@ecwdb.org.

The Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board is responsible for planning, policy guidance, and oversight of the workforce investment system in Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Greene, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow, Pamlico, and Wayne counties. Its goal is to combine area employment, training, and supportive services and programs into a consumer-based, market-driven system that meets the needs of job seekers and employers.

For more information on the Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board, visit www.ecwdb.org.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. (TTY) 1-800-735-2962 (Voice) 1-800-735-8262. Funded by the Employment and Training Administration of the US Department of Labor as part of an award to the NC Department of Commerce & ECWDB totaling $7,039,117 with 0% financed from non-governmental sources.