Our team is committed to helping existing and emerging industries grow in Chatham County. There are many resources that can help businesses overcome challenges and take advantages of opportunities. To learn more and schedule a one-on-one visit, contact Michael Smith at michael.smith@chathamcountync.gov.
Access to Capital & Incentives
State of North Carolina incentives and grants
Slow Money NC promotes investment in local food enterprises with low-interest rate loans (typically between 2-4%). By facilitating low-interest rate loans to local food businesses Slow Money NC hopes to enhance local foodsheds and enrich our communities.
USDA Rural Development grants and loans
The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development operates over fifty financial assistance programs for a variety of rural applications. Click here to see the full list of programs available. Contact your local Chatham Economic Development Corporation for more information.
North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center loans
The Rural Center delivers critical resources to support existing businesses and enable the emergence of successful, new entrepreneurs. The Rural Center works with individuals trying to start or expand a small business by connecting them to critical capital, coaching, and connections they need.
Business Strengthening Partners & Programs
Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is 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.
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.
Check out EDPNC’s most recent ad below:
North Carolina Department of Commerce
The Department connects businesses with the site locations, workforce and infrastructure they need to succeed. They connect local communities with the grants and funding they need to attract new business and ensure future prosperity.
Additionally, our executive branch agency administers the state’s economic incentives program and publishes data, statistics, information and reports for those interested in our state’s economy.
NC State Industry Expansion Solutions
Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) partners with organizations across North Carolina (and beyond) to catalyze the transfer or knowledge and technology in support of workforce and economic development.
Combining our improvement specialists and experience with NC State’s College of Engineering resources and expertise, IES supplies North Carolina organizations with the tools and services they need to help increase productivity, efficiency, quality and profit. IES works alongside clients in manufacturing, healthcare, the military, energy and public sector.
NC Small Business and Technology Development Center
SBTDC provides management counseling and educational services to small and mid-sized businesses. Most of their services are free of charge, and all are confidential. By providing entrepreneurs with the tools they need to build and grow successful businesses, the SBTDC positively impacts NC’s economy.
North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) provides manufacturing extension services that enhance the productivity, innovative capacity and technological performance of North Carolina based manufacturing firms. We also work to strengthen the global competitiveness of small- and medium-sized manufacturers. Their track record reflects that for every dollar a company spends with NCMEP, they typically realize $15 in financial improvements.
Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) is a free service for anyone seeking to start a small business in North Carolina.
Working in partnership with the N.C. Department of Commerce, they offer one-on-one phone consultations to people interested in starting a business, small business owners in need of general support, and entrepreneurs interested in moving to North Carolina. They can answer your questions, and help you navigate topics like regulatory requirements, licensing stipulations, small-business training and more.
Central Carolina Community College’s Small Business Center offers free 1-on-1 consultations, seminars, business plan help, and other services to get you the tools you need to start your business.
Job Training & Workforce Resources
Central Carolina Community College Industry Services
The goal of industry training is to foster and support three criteria of your company’s well-being: job growth, technology investment, and productivity enhancement. Industry Services at Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) will work with your business to maximize success through quality workforce training at little to no cost to you.
Central Carolina Community College’s Career Center is committed to supporting students and job seekers through personalized career exploration, job search assistance, skill-building, and professional development. The center provides one-on-one career advising and counseling, hosts career fairs and employer recruiting events, and offers workshops focused on career readiness. Students also receive guidance on résumé writing and interview preparation to help them confidently pursue their career goals.
Chatham Literacy provides your employees with free classes to obtain their GED, develop soft skills, improve their reading and writing abilities and learn English as a second language.
North Carolina Incumbent Worker Training
North Carolina’s Incumbent Worker Training Program is designed to strengthen businesses by supporting the upskilling of current employees. Whether a company is expanding, investing in new technology, or improving operational efficiency, this program can help offset training costs for employees who have been with the business for at least six months. Training should result in higher skill levels, allowing for employee advancement and creating opportunities to hire and train new talent. Employers are required to contribute to the training cost through either direct funding or in-kind support, depending on the size of the company.
NCWorks is a one-stop online resource for job seekers and employers in North Carolina. Job seekers can search for jobs, create resumes, and find education and training. Employers can find candidates, post jobs, and search labor market information.
North Carolina Workforce Grants
A skilled workforce is key to North Carolina’s economic growth and job creation. The state supports workforce development through a range of grant programs designed to benefit workers, employers, and communities alike. These grants often connect businesses with training resources that enhance employee skills, helping companies stay competitive while empowering workers with new opportunities for advancement.
Capital Area Workforce Development Board
Capital Area Workforce Development (CAWD) partners with businesses to help them find qualified candidates with the right skills for their open positions, primarily targeting Chatham, Lee, Orange, Wake, and Johnston County. At the same time, CAWD supports job seekers at every stage of their career—from recent graduates to experienced professionals exploring new opportunities. By providing access to meaningful employment, skill development, and career readiness resources, CAWD helps create a strong, connected workforce that drives regional growth.