TechWorks Gaston

Organization - Best Public-Private Partnership

Belmont, NC

An Award of Merit is presented to: RAH Construction Consulting, Redline Design

Momentum Construction , National Mills, LLC., Gaston County, City of Belmont

Alliance Bank, Zander Guinn Millan, Open Broadband for TechWorks Gaston

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TechWorks Gaston, located at Ervin Street in downtown Belmont, is the outcome of community-wide collaboration. TechWorks is one of seven key focus areas for Gaston County as identified in the Greater Gaston Development Corporation’s Alliance for Growth plan that was released in 2014. Following the plan, the Gaston Innovation Group was incorporated in June 2016 to advance entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology in Gaston County. Its first project, TechWorks Gaston, a non-profit technology hub committed to job creation and economic growth for Gaston County and the region, celebrated its grand opening in April 2019. Located in a renovated textile mill, TechWorks features gigabit fiber and state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities in a 14,000 square foot, digitally-connected, learning center of office and co-working space, conference and training rooms, and a large event space.

TechWorks provides a place for leaders, entrepreneurs, and students to collaborate. The TechWorks Technology Academy offers innovative educational approaches, builds technology skills, provides certification testing services, and expands digital engagement at home and at work for Gaston residents. TechWorks Gaston offers leading certification programs as both a Certiport and Pearson VUE Authorized Testing Center, the first in Gaston County.

TechWorks created a public-private partnership that includes the State of North Carolina, Gaston County, and the City of Belmont and resulted in $2.1 million in government investment. The technology hub also received funding from several local foundations, corporations, and the building owner, National Mills, totaling $364,000 and secured a partnership with Gaston College, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Goodwill University, CompTIA Academy, and Cisco Academy for a unique and relevant coding continuum, with specific programs targeted to women and low- to moderate-income individuals. Lastly, TechWorks partnered with Open Broadband to provide both gigabit fiber and Wi-Fi to TechWorks and Belmont, including free Wi-Fi service in downtown.

TechWorks Gaston is a model technology hub that, in addition to bringing technology entrepreneurship to downtown Belmont, is a major job creator. In its first year of operation, 21 companies employing 126 people located to TechWorks.