The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) helps businesses large and small succeed in North Carolina. We recruit new businesses to the state, support the growth of existing North Carolina businesses, help manufacturers sell into international markets, provide startup assistance to entrepreneurs, and market the state as a premier travel destination.

In pursuit of sustainable job-creation and investment in North Carolina, the EDPNC works closely with public- and private-sector partners at the state, regional and local levels.

As a nonprofit public-private partnership, the EDPNC operates under contract with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, while receiving additional financial support from the private sector.

Governed by an 18-member board of business and industry leaders representative of the entire state, the EDPNC proudly serves as North Carolina’s statewide economic development organization, committed to serving all those looking to invest in, visit, or do business with North Carolina.

ABOUT NC

A megasite is a large parcel of developable land that is considered “shovel-ready” and can quickly break ground on large industrial operations.

North Carolina’s multiple strategically located megasites offer advanced manufacturers the perfect opportunity to grow with the lowest corporate income tax in the US, an abundance of skilled workers, and convenient access to major markets, consumers, and suppliers.

See the Megasites

From bustling urban centers to miles of open spaces, North Carolina is in a state of momentum. Propelled by low business costs, groundbreaking university research, diverse culture, superior infrastructure, North Carolina offers a pace of life that attracts talented people and encourages them to refuel. Don’t believe us? Check out our state comparison to get a side-by-side view of North Carolina and other states.

STATE COMPARISON MAP

The EDPNC publishes quarterly Community Investment Reports (CIR) detailing the economic development activity happening across the state. All CIR reports can be found on our Resources page.

The EDPNC Small Business Advisors are the go-to resource for starting a business in North Carolina. Using the Business Planning Checklist, you can start a business easily.

Have questions or need help getting started? Connect with one of our Small Business Advisors for a customized consultation, detailed state license information and contacts for the city, county and federal governments appropriate to your business needs. The team in available Monday through Friday between 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at 800.228.8443

Contact Small Business Advisors

North Carolina no longer has a state-issued generic business license that will ensure compliance with all requirements. Some businesses may be subject to several state requirements while others may not be subject to any. There are nearly 950 regulatory, state-issued and occupational licenses and permits, 319 occupational licenses, 498 business licenses, and 80 business/occupational licenses. In addition, a local license may be required for your business.

Have questions or need help getting started? Connect with one of our small business advisors for a customized consultation, detailed state license information and contacts for the city, county and federal governments appropriate to your business needs. The team in available Monday through Friday between 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at 800.228.8443

Our Existing Industry Expansion Managers are strategically located across the state to help businesses find the resources to help manage, maintain, and grow your business.

Find Your Regional Contact

The Manufactured NC database is the perfect resource to help you find suppliers in your area.

LEARN MORE

Our partners at NCWorks and the North Carolina Community College System have developed customizable workforce development training programs to help you find the right skillset of workers for your business.

LEARN MORE

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is specifically designed to help small businesses in North Carolina fund costs associated with international trade. As a qualifying participant in STEP, you can be reimbursed thousands of dollars of expenses that your business would normally have to pay out-of-pocket.

LEARN MORE

Our International Trade team hosts multiple Export Education webinars throughout the year covering a range of international export topics.

Find A Webinar

Our Export NC newsletter shares news, upcoming events and tradeshows, and other resources to help North Carolina businesses reach international markets.

Sign up here

All current investors can be found in the EDPNC Investor Directory.

VIEW DIRECTORY

EDPNC offers investor benefits packages at a variety of levels. Please refer to the Investor Benefits Guide for a full list of benefits.

DOWNLOAD INVESTOR BENEFITS GUIDE

The EDPNC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public-private partnership focused on recruiting new businesses to the state, supporting the needs of existing businesses, connecting exporters to global customers, helping small business owners get their start, and attracting tourists and visitors from all over the world. We rely on private contributions from our investor community to help us resource and retain dedicated professionals to generate success on behalf of the state. EDPNC has been recognized as the top state economic development organization by DCI for two consecutive reports. In addition, we’re hopeful for a three-peat as the number 1 state to do business, and it’s all thanks to an incredible network of partners, including the Department of Commerce, local allies, and generous investors.

Contact our Investor Relations team to get started.

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