Business Friendly States: North Carolina in Profile

North Carolina is home to a wealth of skilled laborers, which is just one of the deciding factors for many world respected corporations who have decided to expand or locate in this state. Employers find the custom training programs that are provided by universities such as Duke, the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State, as well as technical training schools, outstanding. The low cost of establishing a business, good transportation infrastructure and quality lifestyle all give North Carolina a competitive advantage for businesses.

The Most Friendly Cities in North Carolina to Start a Business

Raleigh
North Carolina's capital city of Raleigh has established a technical epicenter, Research Triangle Park, drawing international companies to the area. The renaissance has established new restaurants and nightlife options. An impressive new convention center has space for conferences and business meetings.

Raleigh has been ranked the nation's "Top Business Climate," by Site Selection magazine, ten out of the last twelve years. Companies and their employees thrive due to the investments made in customized training programs and education and the low cost business climate encourages innovation and aggressive recruiting of outside companies as well as helping home-grown small businesses.

Fayetteville
Fayetteville's Renaissance Plan promotes small business and economic growth in the city's center, which is highly rated as a start-up destination. Fayetteville ranks seventh nationally as a center of business, due its strong industrial base, along with its extremely hardworking local workforce.

The Fayetteville Regional Chamber of Commerce partners with organizations throughout the area to help businesses establish locally, succeed and grow. A " one-stop shop" has been set up to help businesses start-up or expand. This promotes economic development in the city and provides a nurturing atmosphere for entrepreneurs and boosts business growth. The Business Center promotes entrepreneurial spirit and economic renewal. This incubation process ensures entrepreneurs get the help they need. Hands-on aid is provided to form business teams, locate flexible space to grow, access financing, receive legal advice, establish marketing strategies and provide fiscal advice.

Seminars and workshops are offered by the Fayetteville Business Center for those seeking training or information to start and grow their businesses. These target resident businesses in low-income parts of the city. Outreach is provided for areas with high unemployment rates as well. Recently separated military personnel and individuals formally incarcerated are given training preference. The Business Center provides help with resumes and support in job searching. One of its goals is to make a stronger partnership between the Center and FSU's School of Business and Economics. These efforts represent a unique opportunity making a real difference in the formerly distressed southeast NC economy. Knowledge, resources, and technical assistance provided enables companies to introduce new products, improve efficiency, win new contracts and create higher paying jobs.

Greenboro
The Small and Emerging Business Assistance in Greensboro program ensures that local businesses have the necessary resources to succeed from start to finish. Some resources available are:

• Starting a Business Check-List
• Making available Greensboro Library's Business Resources
• Accessing Greensboro Partnership Entrepreneurship Initiative
• Utilizing information from GTCC Small Business Center
• Small Business and Technology Development Center providing training courses
• Small Business Administration (SBA) North Carolina District Offices providing needed guidance and help with paperwork or questions
• The Guilford Non-Profit Consortium supporting new start-ups and businesses that relocate in Greensboro

All these forms of small and emerging business assistance organizations refer companies to outside strategy partners and city departments that can help them.

The Economic Development Office promotes Greensboro as a great place to locate and grow a business. It coordinates available property for development or re-development with incentives available through the city. Reviewing projects and plans, providing recommendations, collaborating on new ideas, and helping navigate and expedite the review process are some of the support services provided by this office.

Greenboro, Fayetteville and Raleigh are only three of North Carolina's best cities for business location. Other places throughout the state also provide wonderful support to companies wishing to establish or move there.