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“Chatham County, N.C. — Aspiring entrepreneurs in Chatham County have a great opportunity to turn their business ideas into launch-ready plans through Chatham SPARK, a no-cost startup program designed to guide serious entrepreneurs from concept to completion.

Hosted at CCCC’s Chatham Main Campus in Pittsboro, SPARK will provide structured, hands-on instruction and free access to experts such as CPAs, attorneys, bookkeepers, marketers, lenders, commercial real estate professionals, and insurance specialists.

Spring 2026 sessions will begin March 3, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and continue weekly.

The application deadline is February 24, 2026. Space is limited to maintain a high quality, interactive experience. Registration is free.

Throughout the eight-week program, participants develop comprehensive business plans using LivePlan, an industry-leading business planning software provided at no cost. Each session will focus on a critical startup component including zoning and permitting, marketing, market research, bookkeeping, commercial real estate, financing, legal considerations, and business taxes.

The program will conclude with a business plan presentation and review session. Participants will present their plans to a review committee and receive feedback. One participant may be eligible to receive a $5,000 reimbursable startup grant provided by The Chatham Chamber of Commerce to assist with launch expenses.

SPARK is designed for committed future business owners who intend to start a business in Chatham County. Already having a business idea is preferred, but individuals who are serious about developing one also are encouraged to apply.

For more information or to register, contact Phillip Pappas at ppapp612@cccc.edu or visit: www.chathamsbc.com/spark/“

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We’re pleased to share that the Board of Commissioners has officially approved the resolution to join the North Carolina C-PACE Program. This means the program is now available to all commercial properties in the county, including those within town limits.

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“Chatham County has expanded eligibility for assistance to help residents attend college tuition and fee-free.

Adults in Chatham County who graduated from high school two years ago or more are encouraged to apply for the new Central Carolina Promise Plus scholarship program. Application is required to receive the assistance.

This is an expansion on existing assistance available for eligible recent high-school graduates attending CCCC, funded by Chatham, Lee, and Harnett counties for their residents. Chatham is the first of three counties to broaden eligibility to include less-recent high school graduates.

“Everyone must follow their own path in life, and sometimes that means we are better positioned to pursue higher education later in our journey,” said Chatham County Board of Commissioners Chair Amanda Robertson.

Mark Hall, CCCC’s Chatham County Provost, said that local employers and economic development partners have also shared excitement about the expansion.

“Their future workforce is going to be trained without any financial obstacles in the way,” he said. ”

Read more at Central Carolina Community College’s website.

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“Leading advantages in workforce and education, infrastructure, and incentives land the Tar Heel State the top spot in this annual economic development award from Business Facilities magazine.

RED BANK, NJ — Business Facilities is pleased to name North Carolina as its 2025 State of the Year. This annual award presented by Business Facilities for nearly two decades recognizes a state for its successful business climate and economic development growth in the previous year. The evaluation conducted by the editorial team focuses on significant factors impacting corporate relocation and expansion decisions. This marks the third time Business Facilities has recognized North Carolina, with the state selected as 2020 State of the Year and 2022 State of the Year.

In its evaluation for 2025 State of the Year, Business Facilities considered conditions related to education and workforce, business incentives, infrastructure, quality of life, and business attraction and retention investments. When it comes to workforce, North Carolina saw a record year — under Governor Josh Stein, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) more than 33,000 job commitments were announced through November 2025.”

To read more, visit the Business Facilities: The Source for Site Selector’s website.

Chatham County’s Role in North Carolina’s Momentum

North Carolina’s recognition as Business Facilities’ 2025 State of the Year reflects a statewide commitment to strong workforce development, infrastructure investment, and a business-friendly environment,  priorities that align closely with the work happening in Chatham County.

Located at the geographic center of the state, Chatham County offers businesses strategic access to major markets, talent pipelines, and transportation networks while maintaining a high quality of life. As companies continue to invest across North Carolina, Chatham County is well positioned to support expansion, innovation, and long-term growth.

The Chatham County Economic Development Corporation remains focused on strengthening local partnerships, supporting existing businesses, and attracting new opportunities that contribute to the region’s economic vitality. This statewide recognition reinforces the importance of collaboration at every level and highlights the role local communities play in sustaining North Carolina’s success.

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Smith’s Hall of Fame recognition reflects his leadership on transformative projects such as Wolfspeed and VinFast, which have established Chatham County, North Carolina, as one of the most dynamic economic development destinations in the South.

With more than 20 years of experience in economic development, Smith has served in both local and state leadership roles, including with the North Carolina Department of Commerce in Raleigh. His work has consistently driven transformative investment and job creation across the region.

In 2022, Smith led the recruitment of the VinFast Electric Vehicle project in Moncure, marking North Carolina’s largest economic development announcement at the time.  Just six months later, the Chatham EDC broke the state record again with Wolfspeed’s $5 billion silicon carbide materials facility announcement in Siler City.

At his previous leadership position in Sanford-Lee County, his team achieved significant success in business recruitment and product development, including four of the top 25 announcements in North Carolina in FY 2019–2020.

Smith served as President of the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA) and remains an influential voice in advancing economic growth statewide.

Born in Durham, Smith lived in Atlanta and Dallas before returning home to North Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Arts Degree in Geography with a concentration in Urban and Regional Planning from East Carolina University.

You can read Southern Business & Development’s Hall of Fame Volume 2 and view Smith’s full feature here:

S B&D Hall of Fame Vol. 2

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 A Rapid Response Job Fair will be held at The Moore Center at Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) to connect jobseekers with local employers and community resources, as many have been impacted by the closure of Southern Veneer.

Employer Registration Link
Rapid Response Job Fair Southern Veneer

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Prime Location and Unmatched Connectivity

One of Chatham County’s greatest advantages is its placement in NC. Nestled right in the center, between the Research Triangle and the Piedmont Triad, two of North Carolina’s most dynamic economic regions, Chatham provides easy access to major markets. Businesses benefit from proximity to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and major highways like U.S. 64 and I-85. This infrastructure allows companies to efficiently access key markets and attract top talent from surrounding regions. Companies also have access to smaller but still rather populated towns and cities, such as Sanford, Cary, Apex, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro.

A Thriving & Skilled Workforce

Chatham County boasts a growing labor force that is both skilled and adaptable. With access to top-tier universities such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, Duke University, and many more, businesses have access to a well-educated and abundant talent pool. Additionally, Chatham County’s partnership with Central Carolina Community College ensures workforce training programs tailored to the needs of local industries, particularly in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and clean energy.

Business-Friendly Environment

Chatham County’s pro-business environment makes it an attractive location for companies of all sizes. The Chatham Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) works closely with companies to streamline the expansion process, providing site selection assistance, workforce development resources, and access to state and local incentives. Additionally, 79 West, an innovation hub in Chatham County, provides entrepreneurs and businesses with collaborative workspaces, networking opportunities, and access to a growing ecosystem of startups and industry leaders, further strengthening the county’s pro-business appeal.

Quality of Life That Attracts and Retains Talent

Beyond business advantages, Chatham County offers an exceptional quality of life that helps attract and retain top talent. With a blend of charming small towns like Pittsboro and Siler City, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a vibrant arts scene, employees enjoy a balanced lifestyle. The county’s affordability, strong school systems, and close-knit community make it an ideal place to live and work.

Conclusion

Chatham County offers businesses the perfect combination of strategic location, skilled workforce, and a supportive business environment. With ongoing industrial investments and a high quality of life for everyone, Chatham County may become one of North Carolina’s major economic hubs. If your company is looking to expand, there’s no better place than Chatham County to build a successful future.

Are you ready to explore business opportunities in Chatham? Contact the Chatham Economic Development Corporation today to learn how we can assist and support your expansion plans. Visit our website or contact us at 919-542-8274.

The post Why Chatham? The Strategic Advantage for Business appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

Proactive Business Retention and Expansion Support

Through its business retention and expansion program, the EDC helps companies overcome obstacles that may hinder growth, from workforce shortages to infrastructure needs. By connecting businesses with local and state resources, the EDC fosters an environment where companies scale efficiently.

Chatham County’s existing industries are the backbone of the local economy, with research indicating that approximately 75% of all job creation comes from businesses already established in the community. The county benefits from a diverse industry base that spans from semiconductor development to food processing and beyond.

The Chatham EDC supports existing industries in their growth by identifying public funding opportunities, connecting businesses to local workforce development resources, and facilitating customized training solutions to enhance their competitiveness.

Connecting Businesses to Essential Resources

Business growth often requires funding, land, skilled labor, or infrastructure, among other things. The Chatham EDC assists companies in identifying expansion opportunities within the county, whether through available properties or strategic partnerships.

Additionally, the EDC connects businesses with workforce development programs, such as those offered by Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) and NCWorks, to help train and retain skilled employees.

Success in Action

CTI Systems is one business in Chatham County that has benefited from the EDC’s support regarding their building.

When the company needed a new roof, the Chatham EDC helped identify funding assistance options that not only addressed their facility needs but also resulted in the creation of 20 new full-time jobs—each paying well above the county’s median income.

Looking Ahead

As Chatham continues to grow, the Chatham EDC remains committed to fostering the success of our existing industries while seeking new opportunities to ensure a prosperous future for both emerging and established businesses in Chatham County. By staying connected with local businesses and understanding their evolving needs, the EDC helps ensure that Chatham remains a top destination for business growth.

If your business is considering expanding to Chatham County, contact our office by phone at 919-542-8274.

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In this blog, we spoke with some Chatham County residents to learn more about what makes this community such a special place to call home.

A Welcoming Community in Pittsboro

Phillip Thompson, Chatham EDC’s Project Manager and a proud resident of Pittsboro, shares why this charming town—and Chatham County as a whole—has become the perfect place for his family to call home:

“My family truly enjoys living in Pittsboro. When my wife and I first moved here, we were looking for a central location that was convenient for both our jobs and family. We found so much more than that. Pittsboro offers a unique blend of small-town hospitality and modern conveniences that make everyday life feel easy and enjoyable. My kids especially love heading to Chatham Park for movie nights and other fun events hosted at Mosaic—there’s always something going on to bring the community together. Downtown Pittsboro has also become one of our favorite spots to gather with friends on the weekends, whether it’s grabbing a bite to eat, exploring the local shops, or just strolling through town. Overall, Pittsboro has been the perfect place for our family to grow, connect, and thrive. I can’t see us living anywhere else.”

Community and Growth in Siler City

Jerry Hudson, Chatham EDC Board Member, Vice President, and Business Banking Senior Relationship Manager at Bank of America, returned to his hometown of Siler City with purpose—and pride.

“I moved back to Chatham for the quality of life and to be closer to family. It’s an exciting time to be here, with so much opportunity for growth, new restaurants, and entertainment.”

For Jerry, coming back to Chatham County wasn’t just about reconnecting with his roots, it was about being part of a community that’s evolving while still holding on to what makes it special. From the growing number of dining and entertainment options to the strong sense of connection among neighbors, Chatham County is experiencing a wave of growth that blends opportunity with authenticity. It’s this balance of progress and community spirit that continues to make the county a truly welcoming and rewarding place to live.

Peaceful Living in Goldston

Justin King-Gaines, Chatham EDC Board Member and Vice President & Business Development Officer of  First Bank, calls Goldston home—and it’s clear why.

“Goldston is a great place to live because it is a safe small town with a tightknit community. The location provides easy access to large cities like Raleigh, Greensboro, and Southern Pines/Pinehurst. Pittsboro, Siler City, and Sanford are a short drive away.”

For Justin, Goldston strikes the perfect balance between peaceful rural living and convenient access to surrounding hubs.

“Chatham County is a great place to build a family and a future because it allows people the opportunity to live in a suburban environment in and around Pittsboro or the more rural areas in the western part of the county. All areas of the county provide easy access to a wide array of jobs.”

Chatham County offers something for everyone—whether you’re raising a family, starting a career, or simply looking for a place to call home. It’s that combination of lifestyle, location, and opportunity that makes this community truly special.

Why Chatham County? It’s About the Lifestyle

For those who live here, Chatham County offers more than just a place to work, it’s a place to grow, connect, raise a family, and enjoy life. The county provides a unique balance between scenic landscapes and modern leisure pastimes. Whether it’s exploring the great outdoors, supporting local businesses, or embracing the county’s expanding opportunities, residents take pride in the distinctive character of their hometown.

Along with its thriving economy, Chatham County fosters a welcoming community where connections flourish, and meaningful relationships are built. It’s a place where you can experience a small-town charm while still benefiting from big-city opportunities.

Learn More About Chatham County

Chatham County offers an exceptional quality of life, and its future is brighter than ever.

To learn more about living, working, and business development in Chatham County, visit our website at www.chathamedc.org or contact us at (919) 542-8274.

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