Business Development
With one of the largest economic development networks in the nation, North Carolina is dedicated to giving companies the assistance and resources necessary to meet their unique business needs.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce, as the lead agency for economic development in the state, takes responsibility for state-level business recruitment and expansion efforts. To carry out this work, the Department contracts with a public-private organization, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC).
EDPNC's economic developers work across the state and through regional offices to attract new industries to the state. Statewide and regional developers work closely with other public and private organizations, and provide businesses with a tailored view of the location benefits and resources available.
Companies already located in North Carolina are not an afterthought, however. EDPNC also offers retention and expansion services to companies currently located in the state. These Existing Industry Specialists are dedicated to building long-term relationships with area companies and make more than 1,800 personal on-site visits each year.
North Carolina's economic development team offers comprehensive facility location services from initial contact, through site location, to future growth and expansion. In essence, they deliver confidential, thorough and professional assistance for a company’s start-up, relocation and expansion needs.
North Carolina also maintains four international investment offices. The function of these offices is to educate international companies about opportunities in North Carolina, and respond to a company’s initial inquiry about the state with relevant data and contacts.