Welcome to the
State of North Carolina’s
Department of Commerce.

City of Charlotte, NC

North Carolina has the tangibles that businesses need as well as a lifestyle that helps employees flourish. People are at their best in North Carolina and in this increasingly global economy, happy and productive people are the source of a company's competitive advantage. We’ve got everything from top universities and research that influences the world to a low cost of living and a pace of life that lets people get out and enjoy their surroundings. Just a few of the many reasons North Carolina consistently ranks at the top among places to live and do business.
North Carolina has long been known for its friendly, talented, and hard working people and a welcoming lifestyle. 

North Carolinians are also adaptable, working together to improve the lives of our citizens and our communities.

We live in a place where talented people thrive.  North Carolina’s natural beauty and diverse advantages are legendary, including our 500 kilometers of coastline, our scenic mountains, our central east coast USA location, our proximity to east coast USA population centers, a moderate climate and our vibrant culture.

But it’s the combination of people, place, and the North Carolina lifestyle that really attracts talented people to make their home in our state.


In North Carolina, you can find people with many skills and talents fueling the growth of knowledge-driven industries like:

•    Aerospace and defense http://www.thrivenc.com/aerospace
•    Automotive http://www.thrivenc.com/automotive
•    Banking and finance http://www.thrivenc.com/financialservices
•    Biotechnology and life sciences http://www.thrivenc.com/biotechnology
•    Energy http://www.thrivenc.com/energy
•    Information and communications technology http://www.thrivenc.com/technology


North Carolina offers companies of all sizes compelling reasons to consider starting, locating or expanding a business:


Skilled, productive workers and a friendly labor environment – A growing and diverse population that fuels a high-quality labor force for today’s advanced manufacturing and knowledge-based industries.  North Carolina’s average worker is 10% more productive than the U.S. average worker.  The lowest unionization rate in the nation (3.1%) keeps wages affordable and the workplace flexible.


Comprehensive workforce development network – Customized recruiting, screening and training services and lifelong learning opportunities available through a coordinated network of agencies.


Exceptional educational opportunities – Nationally recognized preschool programs, accountable public schools, accessible state community colleges and university systems and outstanding private institutions all constantly developing new talent.
North Carolina’s higher education system graduates individuals in all disciplines from some of the finest universities in the USA including 36 private institutions and the 16-campus University of North Carolina system. Along with four medical schools, three engineering schools, one veterinary and one dental school, our state’s universities and colleges offer some of the nation’s leading graduate programs. North Carolina’s 58-school community college system has been recognized nationally for their customized workforce training programs.


Proximity to major markets – A central east coast location and extensive transportation infrastructure within a 1,100 kilometer radius of more than 170 million U.S. and Canadian consumers with global connections via deep water ports and international flights.

North Carolina is centrally located on the Atlantic coast of the United States, about midway between New York and Florida.  North Carolina also is in the southeast region of the country. The state is bordered by Virginia to the north, Tennessee to the west, South Carolina to the south, and Georgia to the southwest. The Atlantic Ocean forms North Carolina’s eastern border.


Global connectivity – Statewide high-speed internet access, 100% digital switching and other infrastructure investments for advanced voice, data and video communications and networking options.


Competitive operating cost structure Construction costs, electric rates, overall taxes and cost of living indices all below the national average.


A great place to live – Diverse geography and moderate climate for a variety of outdoor recreation.  The state’s cultural offerings, rich history and variety of arts, and intense collegiate and professional sports rivalries create a quality of life that recruits new talent.


A government that works for business – Our leadership makes strategic investments in education, infrastructure and technology and emphasizes sound fiscal policy through a constitutionally mandated balanced budget, reasonable tax rates and AAA bond rating.


Performance-based, targeted incentive programs – Designed to lower your costs and increase global competitiveness, including discretionary grants in competitive situations and statutory tax credits for job creation, investments and research and development.


Professional economic development assistance – The North Carolina Department of Commerce provides support and expertise for businesses in the United States and around the world, no matter what phase of business they’re in.


Foreign investment - North Carolina ranks 14th nationally in terms of the value of its foreign direct investment.  The vast majority of foreign direct investment in the state comes from Europe.  See why companies like Bayer, Bosch, Credit Suisse, Daimler, Delhaize, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Novo Nordisk and Volvo all thrive in North Carolina.


North Carolina Department of Commerce

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is the lead economic development agency in North Carolina and offers services and programs to assist companies and individuals to invest and conduct business in our state.  These services and programs include but are not limited to: site selection, facility location, labor force identification, relocation, financing, business start-up, utilities, visa assistance, comparative analysis, permitting assistance, transportation access, public and private sector ally network, and workforce training.  

The services and programs of the North Carolina Department of Commerce are available throughout North Carolina and through seven overseas offices.  Foreign investment and trade representatives staff these offices in Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Mexico.
The foreign trade representatives in these offices work with North Carolina companies looking to export their goods and services and then match prospective foreign buyers with North Carolina sellers.  Our foreign trade offices build relationships with overseas buyers and agents and have on-the-ground knowledge of the global opportunities available for North Carolina exporters.  The trade representatives are knowledgeable of international trade policies and local market conditions.   

Our International Investment economic development managers focus on attracting and retaining companies from around the world. We guide you through the steps in the site selection process and help you to forge relationships with North Carolina government, industry and development agencies. From site selection to facility opening, we act as a part of your project team. 

     
The North Carolina Department of Commerce is committed to meeting the changing needs of our businesses and our citizens by providing the resources and programs necessary for acquiring the knowledge, the creative talent and the skills to remain competitive in the global economy.
We invite you to visit North Carolina, and let us show you how you and your business can thrive.

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