Skilled Hands Alliance
Skilled Hands Alliance is a Charlotte-based nonprofit alliance that connects small residential contractors, workforce development programs, and business services partners through contractor succession (The Torch Program), business infrastructure (Small Contractor Survival Framework), and a national workforce pipeline.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2025
- HeadquartersCharlotte, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Skilled Hands Alliance does
Skilled Hands Alliance is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based nonprofit founded in 2025 that operates a national alliance connecting small residential contractors, workforce development programs, and business services partners in the skilled trades. Its core offerings are organized around three programmatic pillars — Workforce Development (linking training programs to contractors and recruiters), Resources & Training (expanding access to training and providing free EPA and OSHA safety courses), and Regulatory Support (helping contractors navigate licensing, code compliance, and OSHA requirements) — alongside two flagship initiatives: The Torch Program, a nationally positioned contractor succession service that matches retiring residential contractors with emerging owners for structured, mentored transitions, and the Small Contractor Survival Framework, a package of contract templates, job costing tools, cash flow management systems, and access to fractional business advisors with construction experience. The Workforce Ready Contractor designation connects member contractors to trained workforce pipelines curated through partner programs.
The organization does not develop proprietary technology; instead, it orchestrates third-party platforms — notably ToolBelt (a free job-matching platform described as reaching 100,000+ skilled workers), Cilio Technologies (a production management system offered with a three-month free trial to members), and Certified Contractors Network (a training and coaching organization) — into a curated service stack for SMB contractors. Supporting partners include Gary White Consulting, Installation Made Easy, and workforce-development nonprofits She Built This City and Hope Renovations.
Commercially, SHA is a nonprofit that generates revenue through capped founding sponsorships priced at $10,000–$40,000 annually, individual donations processed via PayPal, and affiliate-style referrals to partner services. Pricing across the partner stack is freemium or trial-led: ToolBelt is free to contractors, Cilio is free for the first three months, and CCN distributes a free '6 Pillars of Success' PDF. The GTM motion is community-led and partnership-driven, with national reach enabled by a workforce programs directory covering 340+ programs and partner networks spanning 40 states, led by Executive Director Carl Coffey.
Skilled Hands Alliance firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Skilled Hands Alliance
- Legal name
- Skilled Hands Alliance
- Website
- https://skilledhands.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2025
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Skilled Hands Alliance is a Charlotte-based nonprofit alliance that connects small residential contractors, workforce development programs, and business services partners through contractor succession (The Torch Program), business infrastructure (Small Contractor Survival Framework), and a national workforce pipeline.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Skilled Hands Alliance industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Skilled Trades Workforce Development
- NAICS
- Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Temporary Help Services (561320)
- SIC
- Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Help Supply Services (7363)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Employer-Led Workforce Partnerships & Sector Strategies (EDAAAOAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM), Skilled Trades (Electricians/Plumbers/HVAC/Carpenters) Staffing (BPACAEAB), Independent Contractor Compliance & Classification (IC vs Employee) (BPACAGAA)
Keywords
Where Skilled Hands Alliance is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Charlotte
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
Skilled Hands Alliance business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Sponsorship Programs: Skilled Hands Alliance generates revenue through sponsorship tiers ranging from $10,000 to $40,000. Sponsorship tiers are intentionally capped to maintain quality partnerships and strong visibility. Higher-tier sponsors may advise, collaborate on initiatives, and contribute thought leadership. Benefits vary by tier and include brand visibility, advisory participation, content, and event exposure.
- Donations: The organization accepts donations through PayPal to support workforce programs, contractor resources, training initiatives, and safety education.
- Business Services Referrals: Skilled Hands Alliance drives referrals to partner services like ToolBelt (free for contractors), Cilio Technologies (production management, 3-month free trial), and Certified Contractors Network (training/coaching). While not direct revenue, these partnerships support the ecosystem they build.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Sponsorship tiers range from $10,000–$40,000 with intentionally limited availability |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | ToolBelt is FREE to use for licensed pros in residential construction |
| Subscription | Monthly | Cilio Technologies offers first 3 months free subscription |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Skilled Hands Alliance product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Skilled Hands Alliance is a national nonprofit alliance that connects small residential contractors, workforce development programs, and business partners through three programmatic pillars: Workforce Development (linking training programs to contractors and recruiters), Resources & Training (expanding training access and offering free EPA & OSHA safety courses), and Regulatory Support (helping contractors navigate licensing, code compliance, and OSHA requirements). Its flagship offering, The Torch Program, matches retiring residential contractors with emerging owners for structured business succession, and the Small Contractor Survival Framework provides business infrastructure including contract templates, job costing tools, cash flow management systems, and fractional business advisors.
Product overview
Skilled Hands Alliance is a national nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of workforce development and business support services for the skilled trades industry. The core offerings include The Torch Program (contractor succession initiative), the Small Contractor Survival Framework (business infrastructure tools), and three programmatic pillars: Workforce Development, Resources & Training, and Regulatory Support. The organization connects contractors, workforce programs, and business partners to create safer job sites, stronger businesses, and sustainable career pathways. The Torch Program treats retiring contractors as assets and matches them with emerging owners for structured transitions, while the Small Contractor Survival Framework provides contract templates, job costing tools, cash flow management systems, and fractional business advisors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- The Torch Program: Flagship initiative that matches retiring residential contractors with emerging contractors or experienced tradespeople ready to own a business, facilitating a structured, mentored transition of the company, clients, knowledge, and systems.
- Small Contractor Survival Framework
- Workforce Ready Contractor
Products and services
- The Torch Program Flagship initiative that identifies retiring residential contractors and matches them with emerging contractors or tradespeople ready to own a business, facilitating a structured, mentored transition of the company, clients, knowledge, and systems. Described as the only program of its kind at national scale.
- Small Contractor Survival Framework Business infrastructure package provided to member contractors including contract templates, job costing tools, cash flow management systems, and access to fractional business advisors with construction industry experience. Underpins the Workforce Ready Contractor designation.
- Workforce Development Program Program connecting existing workforce programs with contractors, recruiters, and vendors to maximize impact and build a national pipeline of skilled workers, anchored by an interactive directory of 340+ workforce programs across the U.S.
- Resources & Training Program Program expanding training access in high-need areas and offering free EPA and OSHA safety courses for contractors and skilled trades workers.
- Regulatory Support Program Program providing tools to help contractors navigate the regulatory and compliance landscape for effective business operations, including licensing, code compliance, OSHA requirements, and free downloadable Site Leader Emergency Response Checklists for ICE, OSHA, and EPA inspections.
Quantifiable outcome
- Estimated 41% of construction workforce retiring by 2031, with 349,000 new workers needed in 2026 alone
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Skilled Hands Alliance
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Skilled Hands Alliance technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Skilled Hands Alliance partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- ToolBeltcoreToolBelt is the #1 job platform for licensed pros in residential construction looking for work or finding labor. It is the only platform built specifically for the trades. SHA connects contractors with ToolBelt, which is free to use for contractors to stay booked, find trusted labor, and grow faster. ToolBelt powers SHA's 'Connect with 100K Skilled Workers' initiative.
- Cilio TechnologiescoreCilio Technologies is the production-management system contractors rely on to run high-volume installation work after the sale. They support installation companies that power major Big Box retail programs, helping manage scheduling, field operations, compliance requirements, and customer communication. Cilio offers SHA members first 3 months free subscription.
- Certified Contractors Network (CCN)coreCCN is the premier training, coaching, and networking organization for home improvement contractors committed to building profitable, scalable, and enduring businesses. SHA drives referrals to CCN for contractor training and coaching services. CCN offers free '6 Pillars of Success' guide to SHA members.
- Gary White ConsultingsupportingGary White is a distinguished leader in the residential home improvement and energy efficiency sectors, bringing experience and proven track record in driving growth. Gary White Consulting is listed as a proud supporter providing expertise to the SHA ecosystem.
- Installation Made EasysupportingInstallation Made Easy represents national retailers while allowing contractors to continue installing for their own customers. Contractors enjoy increased credibility with homeowners, driving higher close rates and more jobs. Part of SHA's curated business services for contractors.
- She Built This CitysupportingWorkforce development nonprofit based in Charlotte, NC providing women with hands-on trade training, industry certifications, and real job placement in the skilled trades. Led by LaToya Faustin, they work with women facing barriers to employment and provide paths into careers in the trades. Listed as an organization doing important work in the workforce pipeline.
- Hope RenovationssupportingBased in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Hope Renovations trains women in skilled trades like carpentry and electrical work while simultaneously tackling affordable housing needs in the community. Led by Nora Spencer, MSW. Creates ripple effect beyond single graduates by combining workforce training with community impact.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Skilled Hands Alliance competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC): National construction trade association with its own apprenticeship, training, and workforce development programs. Bigger, more established counterpart to SHA in commercial construction.
- SkillsUSA: National nonprofit serving middle-school, high-school, and college students preparing for careers in skilled trades and technical fields; competes for the same youth-to-trades pipeline narrative.
- National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER): Leading standardized craft training and credentialing organization for the construction industry; provides apprenticeship and workforce credentials across trades, directly overlapping with SHA's training-program aggregation.
- National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): Largest U.S. trade association for residential construction, actively publishing the labor shortage data SHA cites. Operates a much broader remit (advocacy, codes, education) but overlaps with SHA on workforce development and contractor support.
Direct peers
- ToolBelt: Core GTM/technology partner and #1 job-matching platform for residential trades, cited by SHA as the source of its 100,000+ skilled workers reach. A logical peer given the tight operational coupling.
- Certified Contractors Network (CCN): Core SHA partner providing training, coaching, and networking to home improvement contractors; directly competes for the same contractor education and business support wallet.
- Home Builders Institute (HBI): Workforce development nonprofit providing skilled trades training across 69 U.S. locations in 40 states; explicitly listed as an SHA partner and the most directly comparable organization in residential construction workforce development.
- YouthBuild USA: Operates 340+ youth workforce programs nationally; listed as an SHA partner. Competes with SHA for the same workforce-development narrative and funding pools.
Emerging players
- Hope Renovations: Workforce development nonprofit training women in carpentry and electrical while addressing affordable housing—listed as an SHA partner. Smaller, regional peer with overlapping mission.
- She Built This City: Charlotte, NC-based workforce nonprofit providing women hands-on trade training and certifications in the skilled trades—local SHA partner operating in the same geography.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights5 records
Customer concentration
Skilled Hands Alliance social profiles
Digital presenceSkilled Hands Alliance financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Skilled Hands Alliance leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Skilled Hands Alliance funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Skilled Hands Alliance M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Skilled Hands Alliance
What does Skilled Hands Alliance do?
Skilled Hands Alliance is a national nonprofit alliance that connects small residential contractors, workforce development programs, and business partners through three programmatic pillars: Workforce Development (linking training programs to contractors and recruiters), Resources & Training (expanding training access and offering free EPA & OSHA safety courses), and Regulatory Support (helping contractors navigate licensing, code compliance, and OSHA requirements). Its flagship offering, The Torch Program, matches retiring residential contractors with emerging owners for structured business succession, and the Small Contractor Survival Framework provides business infrastructure including contract templates, job costing tools, cash flow management systems, and fractional business advisors.
Is Skilled Hands Alliance a public or private company?
Skilled Hands Alliance is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Skilled Hands Alliance founded?
Skilled Hands Alliance was founded in 2025. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Skilled Hands Alliance based?
Skilled Hands Alliance is headquartered in Charlotte, United States, in the North America region.
How does Skilled Hands Alliance make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Sponsorship Programs are the primary driver. The others are donations and business Services Referrals.
Who are Skilled Hands Alliance's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), SkillsUSA, National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Direct peers are ToolBelt, Certified Contractors Network (CCN), Home Builders Institute (HBI) and YouthBuild USA. Emerging players are Hope Renovations and She Built This City.
Does Skilled Hands Alliance have an API?
No public API is recorded for Skilled Hands Alliance.
What industry is Skilled Hands Alliance in?
Skilled Hands Alliance's product category is Skilled Trades Workforce Development. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAAOAB, Employer-Led Workforce Partnerships & Sector Strategies, with a secondary code of BPAGALAM, Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech). Its NAICS code is 61151 and its SIC code is 7361.