The Piedmont Triad Region was selected in February 2006 by the U.S. Department of Labor as one of 13 regions nationwide to receive a three-year, $15 million Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grant to assist in transforming its regional economy.

The WIRED initiative reflects the federal government’s belief that the United States can best compete in the global economy through innovation, and that regions are the most appropriate geography for innovation. WIRED is the first manifestation of this new federal philosophy that focuses federal workforce and economic development resources on regions and regional competitiveness, and on integrating economic development and workforce development at the regional level.

WIRED funds will be used to develop demand-driven workforce training solutions to prepare the regional workforce for jobs in the new economy and to determine how educational institutions can support innovation in our targeted industry clusters. WIRED also includes strategies to expend the benefits of the region’s economic transformation to rural counties and to minority and underserved populations. In addition, strategies will be employed to promote entrepreneurship throughout the Piedmont Triad.

Piedmont Triad Partnership supports innovative and transformational projects through Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) funded grant programs. Piedmont Triad Partnership’s goal is to create funding opportunities allowing creative solutions to be brought forward in our region, which otherwise may not be feasible without the support of monies such as the federal WIRED dollars.

The grant programs encourage the development of new and unique programs through the formation of partnerships aimed at generating new model solutions in areas of identified need. Grant awards are made on a competitive basis, reviewed for merit and completeness by an external review panel, and may require matching funds.

Technical assistance is available upon request to applicants on a per request basis or as outlined in the specific grant documents.

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As part of our work in advancing the industry clusters in the region, and in developing curricula and other infrastructure to make the Piedmont Triad competitive in a global economy, the Piedmont Triad Partnership will solicit proposals for a variety of products or services. Check this page often to learn about Requests for Proposal that are currently outstanding or to request more information.

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We have produced several valuable pieces of research in pursuit of our program of regional transformation for the Piedmont Triad. Please follow this link frequently to read and share our learning about the assets and challenges for the Piedmont Triad as well as strategies and programs under development to move our region forward.

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