CAGC Invests $5.5M to Strengthen Carolinas Construction Workforce and Small Businesses

Carolinas Construction Sees $5.5 Million Investment Fueling Youth Leadership and Small-Business Growth

In a bold, investor-friendly move, a total of $5.5 million is being channeled into workforce and business programs in the Carolinas’ construction sector. The effort centers on youth-driven leadership and inclusive entrepreneurship to help close labor gaps and position the region for large-scale infrastructure work. The initiative marks a coordinated push by the Associated General Contractors of the Carolinas to train a new generation of leaders while expanding opportunities for small firms.

The initiative centers on two core programs supported by the funding: Construction Bootcamp and Construction Business Academy, complemented by a robust Youth Leader Program that emphasizes technology, sustainability, and workforce innovation. Across these programs, more than 335 young professionals under 45 are being trained and mentored to navigate rapid changes in construction technology and project delivery.

Youth leadership programs

The Youth Leader Program provides mentorship from seasoned veterans, discounted access to high-impact events such as a major industry summit, and practical exposure to tools used on modern projects. Participants gain experience with lean methodologies and digital tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM), while developing networks that help scale operations. The aim is a steady pipeline of professionals who can lead in tech adoption, sustainability mandates, and evolving workforce dynamics.

Programs are designed so participants can leverage training and networks to help member firms win more work, improve delivery, and drive efficiency. By embedding digital tools and a culture of continuous improvement, graduates are positioned to help firms cut waste, adopt new processes, and maintain pace with innovation.

Construction Bootcamp

Supported by a $2.5 million state grant, the Construction Bootcamp partners with North Carolina community colleges to accelerate training in critical trades, including plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. The bootcamp model is designed to produce graduates who immediately enter apprenticeships and internships, building a practical bridge from classroom to fieldwork.

Construction Business Academy

The Construction Business Academy, backed by a $3 million initiative, targets minority, women, and disadvantaged business owners. It offers free business training, strategic planning support, and access to capital. Since its inception, more than 100 small businesses have participated or been helped by the Academy, reporting an average revenue increase of 53% and generating approximately $2.15 million in new project revenue.

The broader context includes alignment with national priorities like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which designates about $1.2 trillion for infrastructure over eight years. The programs are framed as a strategic fit with these national goals, aiming to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled labor and ready-to-scale small businesses. Analysts point to macroeconomic indicators such as steady gains in the S&P Construction Index over the past five years, which are presented as validation of growing demand across infrastructure, residential, and commercial sectors.

The overall narrative emphasizes that diversity in ownership—including minority, women, and disadvantaged business owners—expands markets and strengthens resilience in construction. Human capital development is highlighted as a factor in reducing project delays and cost overruns, while innovation adoption is linked to improved operating margins. The combination of workforce development and technology adoption is described as creating both risk reductions for investors and growth opportunities for firms that embrace new tools and methods, such as AI-driven project management and modular construction alongside BIM and ESG-aligned initiatives.

The article frames the Carolinas’ construction ecosystem as offering long-term value for investors who prioritize leadership and innovation. By building a blueprint for sustainable growth through youth leadership and inclusive innovation, the initiatives are presented as a catalyst for attracting capital and accelerating project delivery. Timing is positioned as critical for aligning with the next generation of leaders who will shape how the region responds to environmental shifts, demographic changes, and evolving market demands.

Key takeaway: the combined programs—Bootcamp and Business Academy—are presented as scalable models for workforce development and small-business growth that could help unlock a broader infrastructure era in the Carolinas.

FAQ

What organizations are involved in the programs?

The programs are led under the umbrella of the Associated General Contractors of the Carolinas, focusing on youth leadership, workforce development, and small-business support.

How much funding is allocated and for what purposes?

Overall, $5.5 million is allocated, with $2.5 million for the Construction Bootcamp and $3 million for the Construction Business Academy. These funds support training, mentorship, and business services.

What are the outcomes for participants and small businesses?

More than 335 young professionals have participated in youth leadership programs. Over 100 small businesses have benefited from the Academy, reporting an average revenue increase of 53% and generating new project revenue of about $2.15 million.

How do these programs relate to broader infrastructure goals?

The initiatives align with national priorities like the IIJA, which targets $1.2 trillion in infrastructure investments, and emphasize technology adoption, ESG alignment, and a robust labor pipeline to support large-scale projects.

What technologies and methods are emphasized?

Participants are exposed to Building Information Modeling (BIM), lean methodologies, AI-driven project management, modular construction, and ESG-focused practices to enhance efficiency and sustainability.