Congressman Langworthy Announces $70,000 Federal Grant to Strengthen Olean Region’s Skilled Trades

Washington, D.C.-September 2^nd…Congressman Nick Langworthy today announced a $70,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to the Olean Business Development Corporation (OBDC) to support the Olean Region Skilled Trades Accelerator Project.

The $100,000 project, which includes $30,000 in matching funds from Olean Business Development, will help locally owned skilled-trades businesses overcome barriers to growth, strengthen their operations, and prepare for the next generation of business ownership. The program will serve 10 businesses and provide a flexible, in-person accelerator tailored specifically to the needs of skilled-trades entrepreneurs.

The Olean region is facing a shortage of skilled-trades workers as experienced tradespeople increasingly approach retirement. The accelerator will help address that challenge by supporting emerging and existing businesses and creating pathways for the transition of businesses from aging owners to a new generation of trained and capable entrepreneurs.

The project will also help ensure the continued availability of essential services, including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work, throughout the region while supporting business sustainability, generational wealth creation, and local economic growth.

"Small businesses and skilled trades are essential to Olean's economy, and we need to make sure they have the tools and resources to grow and succeed," said Congressman Nick Langworthy. "This investment will help local tradespeople build stronger businesses, create opportunities for the next generation to take the reins, and ensure families and businesses across the region continue to have access to essential services. I'm proud to help deliver this investment to strengthen our local economy and create good-paying careers right here in the Southern Tier."

Bob Forness, President and Executive Director of Olean Business Development Corporation, said, "We are extremely grateful to Congressman Langworthy for his continued commitment to Olean and his work to bring federal resources home to our community. This grant, and the collaboration with Jamestown Community College's Workforce Development Team in deploying the program, will make a meaningful difference for local skilled-trades businesses that are facing the dual challenges of finding qualified workers and preparing for a transition to new ownership. Congressman Langworthy understands that investing in these businesses means investing in good-paying jobs, essential services, and the long-term economic health of our region. We appreciate his partnership and leadership in helping make this project possible."

The Olean Region Skilled Trades Accelerator will provide participating businesses with a more flexible alternative to traditional accelerator programs, recognizing the time constraints facing many tradespeople. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses while creating opportunities for generational ownership and retaining essential skilled-trades services in the region.

The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments serving 423 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC works to build community capacity, strengthen economic growth, and help the Appalachian region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.