North Star Alliance Cluster Cluster Initiative Matching Fund for Composites and Boatbuilding Industries   Maine 's North Star Alliance Initiative (NSAI) is an industry driven economic development initiative devised to drive business growth and create jobs in coastal Maine. A partnership to transform the workforce and economy, the initiative includes business, R&D, education, and workforce development centered on Maine's boatbuilding, marine and composite industries. NSAI is made possible through funding received from the U.S. Department of Labor's Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) Initiative. The WIRED grant was made to the Governor's Office, the fiscal agent for the grant in Maine is the Maine Department of Labor and MTI is responsible for administering the North Star Alliance Cluster Initiative Program Matching Fund of the Initiative. Robust and active industry associations and collaborative industry-led projects are a key component of the sustainability of the Initiative beyond expiration of WIRED funding. MTI's North Star Alliance Cluster Initiative Program Award Matching Fund provides resources for collaborative activities that strengthen the connections among firms, bolster the organizations that serve and support the eligible industries and increase the knowledge about the obstacles and opportunities facing these industries in Maine. Examples of projects that could be supported include outreach, planning, capacity building and identification and development of needed skills training programs by industry associations and training centers in these industries. The goal of these efforts is to help fuel the growth of Maine's vibrant composite materials, boatbuilding and marine trades industries to sustain and create quality jobs across the State. These awards provide matching funds to applicants in the composite, boatbuilding and marine trades who apply for and receive MTI Cluster Initiative Program. For more information, please contact Roger Brooks, Manager of MTI's Cluster Initiative Program at 207-582-4790 x212 or rbrooks@mainetechnology.org.