The Taylor Economic Development Corporation wants to help local businesses and employees level up in the workforce through a new grant program called UPSKILL TAYLOR.
The TEDC is a nonprofit organization funded by one-half percent of the annual sales tax from the city of Taylor, but TEDC is its own separate entity structured to establish and promote business growth within Taylor.
TEDC’s UPSKILL TAYLOR program assists businesses with a matching grant from the TEDC of up to $25,000 per calendar year for businesses that partner with a community or technical college or another accredited training organization. With that grant, businesses receive customized training for existing employees or for programs tailored to develop critical skills for existing or new hires. TEDC has a budget of $200,000 for this program.
Stipulations for the program include businesses must be in the city of Taylor, be up to date on all municipal taxes, comply with all state and city laws and regulations and should not have any liens filed against them.
Regina Carlson, vice president of TEDC, said, “UPSKILL TAYLOR is crucial for our community because it enhances individual employability, boosts economic growth and promotes social mobility by equipping individuals with the skills needed for a changing job market.”
While the grant program is only applicable to local businesses, one of the main goals of the UPSKILL TAYLOR is to increase the skill level and wages of the city’s workforce. “The TEDC understands that enhancing skills of our local workforce is vital to growing our economy. This program demonstrates our desire to partner with local businesses to help their employees improve and learn new skills,” said Betty Day, TEDC chairperson.
Carlson added that skilled employees are more likely to remain with a company and be engaged in their work. A skilled workforce is a more productive workforce, in terms of increased efficiency and improved quality of work.
While many conversations have taken place recently about attracting new businesses to the area, Carlson agreed that bringing new businesses to Taylor is important for economic growth. “(Those new businesses) create jobs, strengthen the local tax base and foster a vibrant community environment, (but) supporting existing businesses by investing in improvements and is crucial for driving long-term success,” she said.
For more information about the UPSKILL TAYLOR Program, contact Regina Carlson at 512- 352-4321 or email at regina.carlson@tayloredc. org.
