NC Department of Commerce

Supports North Carolina growth through incentives, grant channels, and local services that strengthen business expansion.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is the state agency charged with business growth, community development, and workforce advancement across North Carolina. It reports to the Governor, is led by the Secretary of Commerce, and works from Raleigh through divisions that cover workforce, science and technology, and rural development. Its stated mission is to improve economic well-being and quality of life for North Carolinians.

Commerce is the state's main delivery arm for competitive incentives and place-based support. Its portfolio includes JDIG and the One North Carolina Fund, the One NC Small Business Program for SBIR/STTR support, film and esports grants, and rural transformation and downtown development funds. The published program pages show large top-end awards for the film and esports tracks, alongside smaller technology and community grants.

The department pairs grantmaking with business attraction and market intelligence, including site support, infrastructure support, and EDPNC marketing services. That combination makes it the primary state entry point for companies seeking relocation help, growth incentives, or public funding tied to jobs, technology commercialization, or community investment.