North Carolina has been named the number one state for business by CNBC, marking its third such accolade in four years. Governor Josh Stein took to the celebration, stating, "This confirms what we have known for a long time – that North Carolina is the best state in the country for business," as reported by the Governor's official press release. Stein lauded the collective effort from former Governor Roy Cooper and state legislators across party lines, crediting them with helping to establish a pro-business climate in the state.
In a duality that underlines the state's business success as much as their life quality, N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley noted the state's aggressive pursuit of a competitive and welcoming economy. According to Governor's statement in the press release, "From our world-class workforce to our strategic investments in infrastructure, education, and innovation, North Carolina continues to lead the way as a place where businesses thrive, and communities prosper." The accolade reflects the state's collaborative approach to economic development, something Christopher Chung, CEO of the EDPNC, emphasized in his affirmation that North Carolina's strength lies in connecting companies with essential growth resources.
CNBC's rating system evaluates states on numerous competitive categories, and North Carolina amassed a score of 1,614 out of a possible 2,500 points, with its economy, workforce, and business friendliness singled out as strong suits. The state has witnessed substantial economic growth with business expansions and new projects announced by Governor Stein since January, anticipated to create more than 20,000 new jobs, alongside $17 billion in new capital investment. North Carolina's commitment to clean energy also stands robust, boasting more than 100,000 sector-specific jobs, showcasing how it's not solely about welcoming business but also about nurturing forward-thinking industries.
Addressing the skills gap in a changing economy, Governor Stein has taken steps to increase accessibility to good-paying jobs without a traditional four-year degree requirement. One such initiative is the executive order he signed creating the Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, which released a report with 11 goals aiming to ensure that North Carolinians build strong careers. Tackling yet another front, Stein established the Task Force on Child Care and Early Education to combat the state's childcare crisis, seeking to make high-quality care more attainable for families.
Complementing these efforts, the Governor's commitment to the economic recovery of western North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene remains firm. Recent efforts include launching the "Rediscover the Unforgettable" tourism campaign and implementing the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative, replete with a grant program for rejuvenating local infrastructure. During a recent visit to Clyde, Stein awarded one of the first grants from the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program, emphasizing the importance of supporting the region's economy and its myriad of small businesses, as mentioned in the Office of the Governor's press release.
