NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina has secured the top ranking in CNBC’s annual “Top State for Business” study, marking the third time the state has claimed the prestigious title in the past four years. The recognition underscores the state’s continued strength as a premier destination for business investment and economic development.
Governor Stein Celebrates Achievement
Governor Josh Stein praised the recognition as validation of North Carolina’s business-friendly environment and competitive advantages.
“This confirms what we have known for a long time – that North Carolina is the best state in the country for business,” Stein said. “Our people, state’s business climate, top research universities and excellent community college system, infrastructure, and high quality of life help both companies and workers thrive.”
The governor credited collaborative efforts across party lines, acknowledging former Governor Roy Cooper and state legislators from both parties for helping create a welcoming business climate.
Strong Performance Across Key Metrics
The CNBC study evaluates states across 10 categories of competitiveness, with weights assigned based on how frequently states cite each category as a selling point. North Carolina scored 1,614 points out of a possible 2,500 to claim the top position.
The state’s biggest strengths this year were identified as Economy, Workforce, and Business Friendliness – areas that have consistently driven North Carolina’s success in national business rankings.
Significant Economic Impact Under New Administration
Since taking office in January, Governor Stein has announced business expansions and new projects representing nearly $17 billion in new capital investment and more than 20,000 new jobs for North Carolina residents.
The state has emerged as a leader in the clean energy sector, with more than 100,000 people currently employed in clean energy jobs across the state.
Workforce Development Initiatives
Recognizing the importance of skilled workers, Governor Stein has implemented several workforce development programs. In March, he established the Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, a bipartisan group tasked with strengthening workforce development and expanding access to good-paying jobs.
The council recently released its first report outlining 11 goals to ensure more residents have the skills needed for strong careers in a changing economy. Additionally, Governor Stein signed Senate Bill 124 into law, reducing the number of state government positions that require a four-year college degree.
Addressing Critical Challenges
The governor has launched targeted initiatives to address key challenges facing North Carolina families and businesses:
Child Care Crisis Response: The Task Force on Child Care and Early Education aims to make high-quality child care more accessible, affordable, and sustainable across the state.
Student Safety: The Advisory Council on Student Safety and Well-Being works to ensure public schools support student learning growth and create engaging educational environments.
Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
Nine months after Hurricane Helene impacted western North Carolina, Governor Stein continues leading economic recovery efforts in the region. Recent initiatives include:
- The “Rediscover the Unforgettable” tourism campaign, launched in collaboration with Visit NC to encourage travel to western North Carolina
- The Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative, a $55 million program developed in partnership with the Dogwood Health Trust and the Duke Endowment that has provided grants to more than 2,000 businesses
- The Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program, helping local governments rebuild public infrastructure such as sidewalks and downtown parking areas
Industry Leadership Perspective
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley attributed the recognition to the state’s comprehensive approach to economic development.
“This recognition reflects our relentless commitment to building a competitive, welcoming, and dynamic economy that creates opportunity for everyone,” Lilley said. “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.”
Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), emphasized the collaborative nature of the state’s success.
“North Carolina’s recognition as the best state for business for the third year in the last four is a testament to an economic development strategy that relies on the power of partnerships,” Chung said. “Our strength lies in our ability to connect companies with the workforce, infrastructure, sites, industry ecosystems, and innovation resources needed to support their growth.”
The recognition positions North Carolina as a continued leader in economic development and business attraction as the state builds on its momentum for future growth.
