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The Voice of Business,
Industry & the Professions Since 1942
North Carolina's largest
business group proudly serves as the state chamber of commerce
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Executive Voices
We're Here to Help
Maybe You weren't aware of state help for existing
businesses
By Jim Fain
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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
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