Maine employers are navigating rapid change, including AI adoption, automation, new regulations, and ongoing workforce shortages, while also trying to make smart investments in their people. Fortunately, Maine offers programs designed to help offset the cost of training.

In this webinar, leaders from Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Maine Workforce Development Compact will walk through how Maine employers can access and apply these programs to support workforce upskilling.

The session will cover: 

• The Dirigo Business Incentives Program, a sector specific State of Maine tax credit
• The Maine Workforce Development Compact, a training incentive program offered through the Maine Community College System
• Where they differ & how they can be combined
• What timelines and expectations employers should plan for
• How training providers, like the Roux Institute, can support businesses in designing eligible, high-impact programs. 

Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of what is available now, what to plan for later in 2026, and how to prepare their organization to take advantage of these incentives and training.

About the Dirigo Business Incentives Program

The Dirigo Business Incentives Program is a sector specific State of Maine tax credit that helps eligible businesses offset the cost of future employee training and capital investment. Companies in qualifying industries can receive a $2,000 tax credit per trained employee for a qualified employee training program, including education or training provided by accredited Maine universities and colleges and training approved for funding by the Maine Workforce Development Compact as well as up to a 10% tax credit on a significant capital investment. The program is designed to encourage workforce upskilling and capital investment while reducing the financial burden on businesses.

The State launched a Dirigo value estimator tool that allows businesses to quickly calculate the potential tax credit available based on their planned training and capital investments.

About the Maine Workforce Development Compact

The Maine Workforce Development Compact is a training incentive program offered through the Maine Community College System that provides up to $1,200 per employee in matching grant funds for approved workforce training. MWDC supports a wide range of internal and third-party training programs and, when approved, can also count toward eligibility for Dirigo Business Incentives, allowing businesses to stack benefits.

About the Roux Institute’s Training Programs

The Roux Institute at Northeastern University designs and delivers workforce training programs that align with Maine’s funding requirements. As an accredited Maine university, Roux programs qualify under the Dirigo Business Incentives Program and may also be approved through the Maine Workforce Development Compact.

Our Custom Learning offerings include structured, cohort-based programs in:

• AI adoption and applied automation
• Digital transformation and data strategy
• Operational efficiency and process improvement
• Leadership and workforce productivity

Programs are designed to meet required training hour thresholds and documentation standards, helping employers ensure eligibility while building durable skills within their teams.

Roux works directly with employers to:

• Scope eligible training programs
• Align curriculum with workforce funding criteria
• Structure timelines around certification requirements
• Deliver measurable, high-impact learning experiences

Presenters:

Dan Koloski

Professor of the Practice & Head of Learning Programs

Northeastern University

Dan Koloski is the head of learning programs and professor of the practice in the College of Professional Studies (CPS) at Northeastern University’s Roux Institute. At the Roux Institute, Koloski carries administrative responsibility for all learning programs across degree and non-degree contexts. Professor Koloski’s own teaching is in analytics and software development and the application of both to business, and in addition to his work within various Northeastern degree programs, he works with the Roux partnerships team to develop and teach custom non-degree courses to partner employees. Beyond his CPS teaching, Koloski serves as an adjunct faculty member with the College of Engineering’s Multidisciplinary Graduate Engineering (MGEN) unit and is also a faculty affiliate of Northeastern’s Center for Technology Management and Digital Leadership.

Charlie Collins

Deputy Executive for Workforce Training

Maine Community College System

Charlie Collins is currently Deputy Executive for Workforce Training at Maine Community College System. Previously, he was Interim Associate Dean of Academics and Director of Workforce Development at Southern Maine Community College for three years. Collins works to connect stakeholders and industry partners that results in collaborative solutions. He as interest and experience in aligning higher education credentials to workforce development, professional education, and adult learning.

Shae McGehee

Economic Development Incentives Manager

Maine Department of Economic and Community Development