Employers across the Bay region now have access to a new resource designed to help navigate one of the biggest business challenges: finding, developing, and retaining skilled workers.

The Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board (BCWDB) announced the release of the “Employer Toolkit: Actionable Strategies to Recruit, Develop, and Retain Talent,” a guide tailored to the local workforce and business landscape of 2026. hat’s intended to help businesses strengthen and grow.

Developed with input from employers, workforce professionals, educators, and economic development leaders, the toolkit provides businesses with strategies they can put into practice immediately. The resource is designed for employers throughout the region BCWDB serves, which includes the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.

According to BCWDB, the toolkit was created to address those challenges with practical solutions rather than broad recommendations.

“Employers throughout our region continue to face significant workforce challenges, from talent shortages and changing skill requirements to employee retention and succession planning,” said Jackie Davis, Executive Director of the Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board.

“This toolkit provides employers with practical solutions, workforce resources, and strategic connections that will help businesses grow while strengthening the economic competitiveness of GO Virginia Region 6.”

Among the topics covered are workforce planning, labor market analysis, recruitment and retention strategies, apprenticeships, work-based learning opportunities, industry- recognized credentials, workforce incentives, and tax credits.

The toolkit also includes resources tailored to key regional industries, including healthcare, aquaculture, information technology, manufacturing, construction, and skilled trades.

For example, one area of focus in the toolkit is helping employers identify and address workforce skill gaps. The toolkit notes that skill gaps—when employee capabilities do not match business needs—can directly impact productivity, competitiveness, and long-term growth.

Through tools such as skills gap analysis, employers can better understand where training, hiring, or organizational changes may be needed and make decisions based on data rather than assumptions.

The toolkit also encourages employers to participate in sector partnerships and collaborative workforce initiatives that connect businesses with education, workforce, and economic development organizations. These partnerships are designed to help industries address shared workforce needs and build stronger talent pipelines.

“The Employer Toolkit is another important step in supporting the employer-driven workforce strategies being advanced through the C.A.R.E. Project and other regional initiatives,” said Keenan Allen, Talent Development Coordinator for BCWDB.

The toolkit is available on BCWDB’s website.