RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina has been named America’s Top State for Business in 2025 by CNBC, marking the third time in four years the state has claimed the prestigious ranking. The announcement highlights North Carolina’s strong performance across key business metrics, including workforce development, economic growth, and regulatory environment.
Labor Department Credited as Economic Development Asset
The North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) is being recognized as a significant contributor to the state’s business success. Labor Commissioner Luke Farley emphasized that the department’s approach to regulation supports rather than hinders economic growth.
“This recognition validates what we see on the ground every day: common-sense regulation promotes job growth, while burdensome red tape drives jobs away,” Farley said. “The NC Department of Labor is proud to be our state’s secret weapon for economic development – helping job creators thrive by ensuring safety, fairness, and predictability in the workplace.”
Strong Performance Across Key Categories
In CNBC’s comprehensive evaluation, North Carolina demonstrated exceptional performance in several critical areas:
- Economy: Ranked #3 nationally, with 3.7% GDP growth recorded in 2024
- Workforce: Placed #4, recognized for top-tier STEM and skilled labor pipelines
- Business Friendliness: Earned #4 ranking for regulatory environment
The state’s success reflects its ability to balance business needs with worker protections across more than 5 million workers and 250,000 employers.
Business-Friendly Safety Programs Drive Growth
Under Commissioner Farley’s leadership, NCDOL has implemented several initiatives designed to support business growth while maintaining workplace safety standards:
- Free on-site safety consultations for employers
- No-cost training and educational resources
- Safety awards and recognition programs
- Dedicated compliance hotlines for quick guidance
These programs emphasize collaboration over confrontation, helping businesses understand regulations and comply efficiently.
Major Investment Announcements Validate Business Climate
The ranking comes as major corporations continue to invest heavily in North Carolina. Recent announcements from companies including Amazon and JetZero represent more than $20 billion in new investments, bringing over 24,000 jobs to the state. These companies specifically cited North Carolina’s business climate and workforce quality as key factors in their investment decisions.
Collaborative Approach Sets North Carolina Apart
Commissioner Farley attributes the state’s success to a partnership-focused regulatory approach that supports business growth while protecting workers.
“We work with employers – not against them,” Farley explained. “By offering clear rules and establishing key partnerships, NCDOL helps create the kind of environment where businesses can grow – and North Carolina workers can prosper.”
The department’s strategy focuses on providing clarity, consistency, and collaboration in all regulatory interactions, helping businesses invest with confidence in the state’s economic future.
For more information about NCDOL’s business support programs, visit www.labor.nc.gov.
