The Voice of Business, Industry & the Professions Since 1942
North Carolina's largest business group proudly serves as the state chamber of commerce

   


Executive Voices

We're Here to Help

Maybe You weren't aware of state help for existing businesses

By Jim Fain
 

North Carolina’s existing businesses, large and small, are vital to the economic health of our state and to the quality of life enjoyed by our citizens. Existing businesses annually create the majority of our new jobs, support local tax bases, and make important contributions to the civic life of our communities and state. The state and the Department of Commerce are committed to strategies which will support the growth and success of our existing companies and new startup enterprises.

At a strategic level, Gov. Mike Easley has focused on investments and education, workforce development, infrastructure and innovations to drive economic development. He is determined that our companies will enjoy the world’s best workforce because of those investments in education and worker training and will achieve efficiencies from a strong infrastructure. His strategy is to ensure that North Carolina will deliver high value and helpful services while keeping business costs low.

Consistent with the governor’s commitment, the Department of Commerce, working in collaboration with numerous partners, makes the delivery of value-adding services to existing businesses one of our highest priorities. The following is a list of some of the assistance available directly from Commerce or by referral to one of our partners.

The One-Stop Business ServiCenter

The Business ServiCenter provides services to existing businesses and entrepreneurs, who are looking to start a business, need help in identifying the licensing/permitting/regulatory requirements affecting their business activity or in accessing state or local services and assistance. The ServiCenter works closely with the Small Business and Technology Development Center, the N.C. Community College System, the N.C. Industrial Extension Service and state agencies, partners and allies serving the North Carolina business community. In 2004, our staff responded to 4,500 inquiries and questions from businesses, potential entrepreneurs and/or individuals. They also contacted existing small businesses in North Carolina to identify their needs and offer information about resources, services and assistance programs. The ServiCenter can be contacted at 1-866-259-9846 and bizhelp@nccommerce.com.

Export Assistance

The International Trade Division assists North Carolina companies in taking advantage of worldwide opportunities to increase sales through exporting. Our experienced and multilingual staff of consultants offers quality export assistance to ensure the success of our businesses in the global marketplace. In 2004, the Department helped 113 firms develop and enhance distribution overseas. Services include:

--
Company-specific assessment for marketability

--
Market entry strategy recommendations

--
Analysis of pricing information and competition

--Basic information reports on foreign companies

Workforce Training

Our division of Workforce Training distributes state and federal funds to area Workforce Boards and companies to enhance employment and training programs. Training is provided either at a community college training center, or at the company.  Training programs include:

u New and Expanding Industry Training. Companies are eligible for the New and Expanding Industry Training program when creating or expanding by 12 or more jobs in the following categories: manufacturing, computer programming and/or information technology, and regional or national customer service centers or warehouse distribution centers.

u Focused Industrial Training. The Focused Industrial Training program specializes in retraining manufacturers, software publishers, and computer and telecommunications system developers. 

u Incumbent Worker Training. In 2003, the Department of Commerce created this new grant program to augment focused industrial training. A company may apply for a grant of up to $37,500 to provide educational and skills training for its workers. The Community College System and the N.C. State Industrial Extension Service have provided more than half of the training being requested so far. Since its inception, 136 companies have participated in the program and provided training for more than 8,500 workers.

Tax Credits and Grant Programs

The William S. Lee tax credits are available for eligible companies expanding or relocating in North Carolina that create new jobs, train workers or invest in machinery or equipment within the North Carolina workforce to fill positions.

The Industrial Development Fund  assists town, city and county governments with incentive financing for industries in counties designated as more rural, economically challenged. Currently, there are 38 open IDF projects, which are expected to generate 2,850 jobs.

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) help communities maintain and attract industries to the area, especially low- and moderate-income communities. In 2004, the program awarded 130†small cities grants totaling more than $50 million.

The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to those businesses or industries deemed to be vital to a healthy and growing state economy and are making significant efforts to expand in North Carolina. Since 2001, the One NC Fund has helped create more than 13,000 jobs and more than $1.7 billion in investment.

For more information about the Department of Commerce and how we can better serve your business needs, please call 1-866-259-9846.

Jim Fain of Raleigh is secretary of the N.C. Department of Commerce

 

Visit us at 225 Hillsborough Street, Suite 460, Raleigh, N.C.
Write to us at P.O. Box 2508, Raleigh, N.C. 27602
Call us at 919.836.1400 or fax us at 919.836.1425
e-mail:
info@nccbi.org

Copyright © 1998, All Rights Reserved
Last Modified: March 18, 2005
Web Design By The
NCCBI Staff
Let Us Help You With Your Web Site Needs!