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

Carolinas, August 13, 2025

News Summary

The Carolinas Associated General Contractors (CAGC) has committed $5.5 million across a Construction Bootcamp and a Construction Business Academy to boost workforce capacity and small-business growth. The bootcamp partners with community colleges to accelerate training in trades such as plumbing, electrical and carpentry, producing apprenticeship and internship placements. The business academy has supported 100+ firms—many minority- and women-owned—with free training, planning and capital access, reporting an average 53% revenue lift and $2.15M in new project revenue. A Young Leader Program has trained 335+ professionals in tech, sustainability and digital construction methods to build a scalable talent pipeline.

Carolina Construction Sees $5.5 Million Investment to Grow Youth Leadership and Small-Firm Capacity

The Associated General Contractors of the Carolinas (CAGC) is steering a $5.5 million investment into workforce and business programs across the Carolinas. The initiative targets labor shortages by training more than 335 young professionals and supporting more than 100 small firms, positioning the region for substantial infrastructure-era growth.

Overview of the funding and programs

The funding is split into two major programs: a Construction Bootcamp funded by a $2.5 million state grant and a Construction Business Academy backed by a $3 million initiative. The Bootcamp partners with North Carolina community colleges to accelerate training in crucial trades such as plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. Early outcomes show graduates securing apprenticeships and internships as a direct result of the program.

The Construction Business Academy offers free business training, strategic planning support, access to capital, and targeted mentorship to minority, women, and disadvantaged business owners. More than 100 small businesses have participated or benefited from the Academy, reporting an average 53% revenue increase and generating around $2.15 million in new project revenue.

Youth leadership and digital skills

The Young Leader Program currently includes over 335 participants who are under 45, with training focused on tech, sustainability, and workforce innovation. Participants gain mentorship from industry veterans, discounted access to high-impact events, and exposure to modern management approaches. The program emphasizes lean methodologies and the integration of digital tools such as BIM to streamline project planning and execution.

Operational impact and investor relevance

Industry analysis linked to the programs suggests that human capital development reduces project delays and cost overruns while lowering risk for investors. Innovations led by program participants are expected to improve operating margins, creating dual advantages for investors: better project outcomes and stronger performance from adopting new methods and tools.

National priorities and market context

The initiatives align with national priorities outlined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which allocates approximately $1.2 trillion to infrastructure over eight years. The broader macroeconomic context is supported by a trend of gains in the S&P Construction Index over the past five years, reflecting sustained demand across infrastructure, residential, and commercial sectors.

Strategic implications and timing

Officials describe the effort as “building a blueprint for sustainable growth” through youth-led leadership and inclusive innovation. The timing is presented as important for investors seeking to align with the next generation of leaders as the Carolinas position themselves to capitalize on large-scale infrastructure activity.

Conclusion

In sum, the combination of $5.5 million in funding, the expansion of youth leadership, and the support for minority and small-business owners is framed as a scalable model for workforce development and business growth. The result is a construction ecosystem in the Carolinas that aims to reduce risk, boost margins through innovation, and sustain long-term value for investors aligned with leadership and digital transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total investment and how is it allocated?

The total investment is $5.5 million, allocated as $2.5 million for the Construction Bootcamp and $3 million for the Construction Business Academy.

Who benefits from the programs?

Benefits accrue to more than 335 young professionals under 45 and to 100+ small businesses, including minority, women, and disadvantaged owners.

What outcomes have been reported?

Bootcamp graduates secure apprenticeships and internships; the Business Academy has seen an average 53% revenue increase and about $2.15 million in new project revenue.

What technologies and methods are emphasized?

Emphasis includes BIM, lean methodologies, AI-driven project management, and sustainability practices.

How does this relate to national priorities?

The programs align with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), supporting about $1.2 trillion in infrastructure spending over eight years.

What is the broader goal for investors?

The goal is to reduce delays and cost overruns through improved human capital, while boosting margins through innovation and new capabilities in the region.

Key features at a glance

Feature	Details	Impact
Total investment	$5.5 million (Bootcamp $2.5 million; Academy $3 million)	Structured funding for workforce and business growth
Programs	Construction Bootcamp; Construction Business Academy; Young Leader Program	Comprehensive training, mentorship, and business support
Participants	335+ young leaders; 100+ small businesses	Expanded leadership pipeline and small-business capability
Revenue impact	Average 53% revenue increase; $2.15 million in new project revenue	Increased market activity and profitability for firms
Technology and methods	BIM, lean processes, AI-driven project management, sustainability	Improved efficiency, risk management, and compliance with ESG goals
Strategic focus	Diversity in ownership; ESG-aligned initiatives	Market resilience and broader access to capital
National alignment	Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA); $1.2 trillion	Positioning for large-scale infrastructure deployment
Market context	S&P Construction Index gains over five years	Supports expectations of sustained demand in construction sectors