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

Chatham County incentives

Chatham Loan Fund

The Chatham Loan Fund is a tool to help businesses in Chatham County access capital. It is used as collateral for a business loan, covering up to 50% collateralization of a loan, up to $50,000.

Chatham Economic Development Corporation will work with you and your lender to establish an account to be used as collateral on the business loan. The full amount of the loan will stay with the bank until the loan is repaid.

Slow Money NC

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.

Town of Siler City small business Revolving Loan Fund

Town of Siler City leaders have formed a partnership with the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center to launch a $100,000 small business revolving loan fund.  The goal of the partnership is to encourage small business and entrepreneurial growth in the Town of Siler City corporate limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

The Revolving Loan Fund works with individuals from the Town of Siler City who have sound ideas for starting or expanding a small business but may have difficulty obtaining a loan from traditional sources.  Loan amounts range from $500 to $25,000 for small business startup or expansion.

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.

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

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.

Chatham Small Business Center

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.

Siler City STEP for Small Business Program

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.

Chatham County Career Center

The Chatham County Career Center offers a variety of services that connect your business with highly skilled candidates for your workforce needs. It can also assist your business in training the right person or confirming that you have selected the best candidate.

Chatham Literacy

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.

NCWorks

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.

Incumbent Workers Grant

Grant administered by the Triangle South Workforce Development Board (TSWDB) that offers up to $5,000 annually for businesses to train their current workforce. Contact the TSWDB for more information.

Triangle South Workforce Development Board

The Triangle South Workforce Development Board (TSWDB) is responsible for planning, policy guidance and oversight of the workforce investment system in Chatham, Harnett, Lee and Sampson Counties. Its goal is to combine area employment, training and supportive services and programs into a consumer-based, market-driven system that meets the needs of job seekers and employers.

Business Networking