Franklin County and FCEDC Seek Interest for Frontier Trades Fund to Support Local Skilled Trades Businesses

New workforce development grant program aims to strengthen Franklin County’s skilled trades workforce and help local entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.

The Franklin County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC), on behalf of Franklin County, is seeking interest for the Frontier Trades Fund, a new workforce development grant program designed to support small businesses and entrepreneurs working in the skilled trades.

FCEDC is now accepting interest forms from tradespeople interested in accessing funding to start, strengthen or expand their businesses. The interest form will remain open through November 20, 2026.

From carpenters and electricians to plumbers, HVAC technicians and other skilled professionals, tradespeople play an essential role in Franklin County’s economy. They build and maintain homes, support local businesses, improve infrastructure and provide services that communities depend on every day.

Yet starting or growing a trades business requires a great deal of technical expertise and resources. Entrepreneurs must navigate the financial challenges of hiring,  training, purchasing equipment, investing in tools and managing the costs associated with running a business.

The Frontier Trades Fund is designed to help address these challenges by providing resources to build capacity and grow the skilled trades workforce.

“The Franklin County Legislature frequently hears about the need for more skilled tradespeople in our communities and we are excited to partner with FCEDC to address this need”, said Legislative Chairperson Greg Janisewski. 

“Skilled tradespeople are essential to the economic health of our communities,” said Jeremy Evans, CEO of FCEDC. “Whether they’re building homes, maintaining commercial properties or providing specialized services, their work supports nearly every sector of our economy. Through the Frontier Trades Fund, we’re creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs to invest in their businesses and strengthen the skilled trades workforce in Franklin County.”

Investing in the People Who Build Our Communities

The Trades Fund reflects FCEDC’s broader economic development strategy: investing in local businesses, supporting entrepreneurship and building a stronger, more resilient regional economy.

By directing resources toward the skilled trades, FCEDC aims to support business development while helping address the need for construction, maintenance and other essential trade services throughout Franklin County.

The program is intended to support eligible microenterprises, with grant funding available for salaries and training to build capacity, but also equipment, operations, marketing and hardware and software.

The initiative builds on FCEDC and Franklin County’s  ongoing efforts to connect entrepreneurs and small businesses with the financial resources, technical assistance and economic development programs they need to succeed.

Interest Forms Now Open

FCEDC is inviting interested tradespeople to complete a brief interest form to help identify prospective applicants and determine eligibility for the program.

The interest form is the first step in the process and is not a formal grant application. FCEDC will use the information submitted to evaluate prospective applicants and communicate additional program details and next steps.

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their forms by November 20, 2026.

To learn more about the Frontier Trades Fund and complete the interest form, visit:

https://form.jotform.com/262185442520149

Built Here. By People Who Live Here.

The Frontier Trades Fund is part of FCEDC’s commitment to building an economy that creates opportunities for the people and businesses that call Franklin County home.