City Hires Consultant to Create Comprehensive Framework for Supporting Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The City of Goldsboro has contracted Creative Economic Development Consulting to develop a comprehensive Business Development Strategic Plan and Framework, marking a significant investment in the city’s economic future. The $21,100 initiative aims to establish a structured approach to supporting both new and existing local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Building a Culture of Business Support

The strategic plan represents a commitment to transforming how Goldsboro approaches business development, according to city officials.

“By developing a business development strategic framework, we will build a stronger internal process and create a culture of business support in Goldsboro,” said April Choice, director of Development Services. “This work will ultimately pave the way for successful economic mobility and workforce development initiatives across the city.”

Foundation Built on Previous Economic Assessment

The current initiative builds upon groundwork established in 2022, when the North Carolina Department of Commerce – NC Main Street and Rural Planning Center collaborated with city staff and community stakeholders to conduct an Economic Development Assessment Workshop. That workshop identified both immediate action steps and long-term priorities for Goldsboro’s economic development.

A follow-up forum held in January 2025 reviewed the city’s progress on those recommendations and established additional goals for economic and business development. Among the top recommendations emerging from that forum was the creation of a comprehensive business development strategic plan.

Comprehensive Approach to Economic Development

Creative EDC, which brings experience from previous work with Wayne County and other North Carolina municipalities, will collaborate with city staff, council members, and community partners to develop an actionable plan. The strategic framework will address several key areas:

• Small Business Support and Entrepreneurship: Strategies to assist local entrepreneurs and small business owners
• Revitalization Beyond Downtown: Approaches to strengthen business development throughout the city, extending beyond the downtown core
• Partnership Enhancement: Methods to strengthen collaboration with key economic development partners, including the Wayne County Development Alliance, Chamber of Commerce, and Wayne Community College
• Performance Tracking: Measurable goals and performance metrics to monitor progress and ensure accountability

City Leadership Emphasizes Customer Service Culture

City officials view the strategic plan as part of a broader commitment to improving business support services.

“The City Council’s interest in assisting with building Goldsboro’s commerce stronger is always evolving,” said Kelly Arnold, assistant city manager. “This is an important step in embracing a culture of customer service that will be beneficial to both Goldsboro’s small and large businesses, including entrepreneurs.”

Strong Community Support

The initiative has garnered enthusiastic support from key business organizations in the region. Wayne County Chamber President Todd Walker characterized the city’s partnership with Creative EDC as significant for the broader business community.

“The City is clearly showing its commitment to strengthen and support existing and future businesses in Goldsboro in order for them to not only strive, but to thrive,” Walker said. “The Wayne County Chamber is committed to working with both the EDC and Wayne County Development Alliance as we are seeing visible and positive outcomes as businesses, and families are seeing there’s no better place to build a business and start a family than Wayne County.”

Walker described the project as “a monumental win for all businesses in Wayne County.”

Timeline and Next Steps

The strategic planning project is scheduled to commence this month, with Creative EDC expected to deliver the final plan by December 2025. The timeline allows for extensive community input and collaboration with various stakeholders throughout the development process.

The completion of this strategic plan will provide Goldsboro with a roadmap for sustained economic growth and enhanced support for the local business community, positioning the city to better compete in attracting and retaining businesses in an increasingly competitive economic landscape.