Business Support

Start a Business

Fueling Success for Startups and Growing Businesses

Whether you’re launching your first venture, expanding your operations, or relocating, you can find the support and resources you need here. Explore guidance on key business requirements and connect with local, regional, and statewide programs designed to help you grow. This collaborative network, made up of local government, regional partners, private industry, and entrepreneurs, helps you navigate regulations, access important resources, and stay focused on what matters most: building your business.

  1. Grants, Tax & Financial Incentives
  2. Licenses and Permits
  3. Site Zoning, Permits & Selection
  4. Small Business Support

Unlock Growth With Financial Incentives and Credits

A range of financial tools help new and expanding businesses grow, from performance-based grants and in-kind services to tax advantages and flexible financing options.

Grants, Financing, and Capital Access

Performance-Based Grants:
Eligible projects may earn reimbursement grants equal to about 50% of the net increase in property taxes, paid annually for up to five years after verified payments.

Flexible Financing:
Businesses can connect with local lenders, developers, and lease-to-own opportunities. The Industrial Revenue Bond Authority also offers low-interest, tax-exempt financing for qualifying manufacturing and solid-waste projects.

Startup and Growth Capital:
Fast-growing companies can access venture capital, angel investors, and microloan programs through regional and state networks.

Tax Credits and Competitive Rates

North Carolina has the lowest corporate income tax rate in the U.S. at 2.5%. Businesses may also qualify for:

Top-Tier Incentive Eligibility

As a Tier 1 community, local projects qualify for the highest level of state incentives under programs such as JDIG, the One NC Fund, and infrastructure grants supporting job creation and investment. Tier 1 status brings larger awards, lower job thresholds, and broader funding access.

Local specialists help businesses:

  • Find eligible incentive programs
  • Prepare and submit applications
  • Coordinate matches and documentation
  • Stay compliant after awards

Whether launching, expanding, or relocating, businesses can get guidance to streamline the incentive process and set projects up for success.
View NC Tier Designations | See All NC Incentives

Foreign Trade Zone #214

Local businesses benefit from Foreign Trade Zone #214, offering major cost savings for importers and exporters:

  • Duty Deferral or Elimination: Pay customs only when goods enter the U.S. — or not at all if re-exported.
  • Inverted Tariff: Apply lower tariffs to finished products than to raw materials.
  • Customs Efficiencies: Streamlined entry and reduced fees for high-volume importers.

Learn About FTZ #214 Benefits

In-Kind Support and Custom Packages

Additional assistance includes fast-track permitting, utility coordination, site readiness, and workforce reimbursements. Projects with unique needs can receive a custom incentive package tailored to long-term goals.