SANFORD - The Triangle South Workforce Development Board (TSWDB) is launching a grant for incumbent workers called T3 -- Training Today's Teams.

The TSWDB provides funding through its T3 Grant for Incumbent Workers to allow businesses with five or more employees operating in the Triangle South local area (Chatham, Harnett, Lee, and Sampson counties) to "skill-up" their existing workforce to meet the challenges of changes to production processes or market demands. The maximum amount is $5,000 per grant, and $10,000 per year, with a lifetime funding limit of $50,000.

The "skill-ups" that are addressed in a grant application can be a result of changing market conditions, a worker(s) changing responsibilities/requirements in her/his job, or for enhancement to production or services as part of the applicant organizations operations. The TSWDB T3 Grant for Incumbent Workers will result in workers with increased knowledge, certifications, and/or 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 prior to the semi-annual submission deadline date, are current on all federal and state tax obligations, and are financially viable are eligible to apply. Triangle South T3 Incumbent Worker Training Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Applications are available on the Triangle South Website (www.trianglesouthworkforce.com) or upon request. The application is a part of the T3 Grant for Incumbent Workers policy. Applications should be submitted directly to a TSWDB business services team member. TSWDB may request additional information or establish supplemental provisions and requirements for the training applications.

Applications will be accepted April 1-30 and October 1-31. T3 Grants are awarded on a competitive, as-needed basis and are dependent upon the availability of funding.

"What's so great about this grant is that it helps promote a virtuous cycle that benefits both the employer and the workforce," said Mike Peluso, TSWDB Business Services Coordinator. "Not only does it help employers be more competitive, it helps members of the workforce advance in their careers which opens up more jobs as their employers grow."

Jessica Ingram, TSWDB Business Engagement Coordinator, added: "Since this grant is managed at the board level, the TSWDB Business Services team can offer highly personalized service for our business partners who would like assistance in applying for it."

For more information on this program, people can contact a member of the Triangle South Business Outreach team: Mike Peluso 919-777-7725 or by email at mpeluso@cccc.edu or Jessica Ingram at 919-777-7721 or by email at jtingram@cccc.edu.

The Triangle South Workforce Development Board is responsible for planning, policy guidance, and oversight of the workforce investment system in Chatham, Harnett, Lee, and Sampson 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 Triangle South Workforce Development Board, visit www.trianglesouthworkforce.com.