Infrastructure is critical to attracting companies and supporting expansion. North Carolina has multiple resources to help communities invest in their utility and transportation infrastructure so they are better positioned to compete for business. 

Small Business Infrastructure Grants

The Rural Economic Development Division administers a special program for local governments working to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.  Awards from the Small Business Infrastructure Grants program aim to rebuild the critical infrastructure that creates local ecosystems where small businesses can operate and thrive.

State Rural Grants

Rural Grant Programs administers the Rural Building Reuse, Infrastructure and Demolition grant programs. These programs provide local governments with funds for critical infrastructure, building improvements, and demolition that will lead to the creation of new, full-time jobs. Please review our program information pages for additional details. 

Federal CDBG

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are available to local municipal or county governments for projects to enhance the vitality of communities by providing decent housing and suitable living environments and expanding economic opportunities. These grants primarily serve persons of low- and moderate- incomes. State CDBG funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to the state of North Carolina. Some urban counties and cities in North Carolina receive CDBG funding directly from HUD.

Utility Account

The Utility Account assists local governments in counties that have one of the 80 most distressed rankings under G.S. 143B-437.08 after adjustments are applied for creating jobs in eligible industries. Funds are provided as incentives for job creation and investment to benefit industries eligible to participate in the Article 3J tax credit program. 

GoldenLEAF Infrastructure Grants

Golden LEAF considers applications to assist eligible state, regional and local economic development entities with grants to support projects in which a company will commit to create a specific number of full-time jobs in a tobacco-dependent or economically distressed area. 

Rail Industrial Access Program

The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Rail Industrial Access Program uses state funds to help construct or refurbish railroad spur tracks needed by a new or expanding company.