Economic Development
According to the U.S. census, North Carolina is the 10th most populous state with over 9 million in population. In 2030, it is projected to be the 7th. North Carolina’s rate of growth is the 5th highest in the nation (N.C. Dept. of Commerce).
Center for Design Innovation (CDI) - (Winston-Salem) CDI's vision is to be a catalyst for transforming the Piedmont Triad's economy to one focused on knowledge-based services and creative enterprises. Its goal is to generate and facilitate design-focused creativity, education, research and entrepreneurial activity. It is associated with UNC School of the Arts, Winston-Salem State University, and Forsyth Technical Community College.
Friends of NC - This is an advisory council to the N.C. Commerce Trade & Development Fund, a non-profit organization that helps market the state's dynamic business environment globally and nationally. The group coordinates private sector involvement in economic development and trade endeavors.
North Carolina Department of Commerce - This is the state's leading economic development agency. It works with local, regional, national and international companies. Its divisions include business, industry and workforce development; tourism, film and sports; community assistance; international trade; and marketing. Check out their local & regional economic development partners.
North Carolina Economic Developers Association (NCEDA) - NCEDA is the statewide association for professional economic developers and their allies in N.C. For over 40 years, NCEDA and its members have led efforts to promote N.C. as an ideal destination for business investment. Its members help recruit investment to the state, and support the growth of existing businesses and entrepreneurial ventures. There is a great member search page.
North Carolina Film Industry - According to the N.C. Dept. of Commerce, North Carolina is one of the top 10 U.S. location destinations for film and television productions. Since 1980, productions have generated over $7 billion in revenue. The film industry's impact on the state's economic development is huge. These sites include information for professionals and consumers interested in the N.C. film industry, film festivals, and film schools.
North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development - This is a statewide nonprofit organization representing the interests of underdeveloped and underutilized sectors of the state's economic base. They assist established businesses through their Minority Business Enterprise Center, help women who are interested in starting a business or growing their business, and provide financial and business education.
North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) - NCMBC is a statewide business development entity of the N.C. Community College System, headquartered at Fayetteville Technical C.C. Its mission is to leverage military and other federal business opportunities for economic development and quality of life in North Carolina.
North Carolina Partnership for Economic Development (NCPED) - NCPED is a nonprofit corporation that believes innovation-based economic development principles applied regionally offer the ideal strategy for bringing new jobs and global investment to N.C. It is comprised of the state's 7 regional economic development partnerships:
AdvantageWest (Fletcher)
Charlotte Regional Partnership
North Carolina's Eastern Region (Kinston)
North Carolina's Northeast Commission (Edenton)
North Carolina's Southeast (Elizabethtown)
Piedmont Triad Partnership (Greensboro)
Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RDU International Airport)
North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center - The Rural Center, a private nonprofit organization, is North Carolina's leading resource for rural people and communities. Its mission is to develop, promote, and implement sound economic strategies to improve the quality of life of rural North Carolinians.
Triangle North - Triangle North is an award-winning, innovative rural economic development initiative created through a collaboration of the four northern counties of the Research Triangle Region to spark economic growth and opportunity. The counties include Franklin, Granville, Vance, and Warren. It is a network of business and industrial parks that offer the highest level of state financial incentives (Tier 1) available to businesses, providing a low-cost point of entry for companies ready to locate or expand.
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