Business & Industry Links
AdvantageWest Economic Development Group
AdvantageWest is the regional economic development partnership serving the 23 western counties of North Carolina. Since our start in 1994, we have strategically adapted our program of work to meet the changing needs of the region, earning a reputation as one of the most progressive economic development commissions in the nation. Visit the AdvantageWest website.
North Carolina Economic Development Guide 2021
North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) teamed up to produce the 2021-2022 North Carolina Economic Development Guide. You can find the Guide in print and digital on both our websites. Following are links to NCEDG website: https://edpnc.com/industry-reports-and-publications/ and https://ncedg.com/
Business Link North Carolina (BLNC)
BLNC is your source for business assistance in North Carolina. BLNC is a comprehensive network of resource partners designed to answer your questions. Please call 800-228-8443 during business hours for a free consultation. BLNC Business Counselors will provide the answers you need to start, maintain and grow your business.
Visit the Business Link North Carolina website.
Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership
The Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the historic preservation, protection, culture, and use of North Wilkesboro's traditional downtown area. Come visit historic downtown North Wilkesboro for great food, fun, and shopping for the whole family!
Visit the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership website.
GoldenLEAF Foundation
The GoldenLEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina's economy. The GoldenLEAF Foundation works in partnership with many entities to achieve its mission of assisting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state.
Visit the GoldenLEAF Foundation website.
High Country Council of Governments
The High Country Council of Governments is designated by both state and federal governments as the official agency for the administration of various funds and programs. The Region D Development Corporation, Inc. is a nonprofit entity that assists eligible small business concerns through the Small Business Administration's 504 loan program.
Visit the High Country Council of Governments website.
North Carolina Chamber
At the core of the North Carolina Chamber's advocacy mission is job creation. Good jobs are a vital component of a thriving North Carolina economy. Strengthening the state's ability to attract, keep and grow jobs is our Chamber's highest priority. At the State and Federal levels the Chamber lobbies for pro-business policies, rules, and regulations.
Visit the North Carolina Chamber website.
North Carolina Department of Commerce
The Department of Commerce is the state's leading economic development agency, serving existing business and industry by providing international trade assistance; recruiting new jobs and investment; encouraging entrepreneurship; marketing North Carolina and its brand; supporting workforce development; promoting tourism and film development.
NC Works
NC Works provides employment services, unemployment insurance, and labor market information to the State`s workers, employers, and the public. These services promote economic stability and growth, development of a skilled workforce, and a world class economy for North Carolina.
Visit the NC Works website.
North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center
The center is a private, nonprofit organization funded by both public and private sources with the mission to develop, promote and implement sound economic strategies to improve the quality of life of rural North Carolinians, serving the state's 85 rural counties. The RuralCenter offers technical assistance and leadership training for rural local governments.
Visit the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center website.
North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center
The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is North Carolina's leading resource for growing and developing businesses. Services include business management advice, financing assistance, marketing assistance, and strategy development and implementation.
Visit the North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center website.
Wilkes Chamber of Commerce
The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce is an organization that has a mission of promoting economic development and striving to enhance the quality of life for all Wilkes County citizens. The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce is an active partner with the Town of North Wilkesboro, Wilkes EDC, Wilkes County, and Town of Wilkesboro.
Visit the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce website.
Wilkes Community College Small Business Center
The Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College offers a very wide range of programs and services for existing and prospective business owners. Contact the Wilkes Community College Small Business Center if you want to start your own business or if you need more training to support your business.
Visit the Wilkes Community College Small Business Center website.
Wilkes Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
The WilkesEDC is a non-profit Economic Development Corporation charged with recruiting new businesses, retaining and expanding current businesses, and promoting entrepreneurship within Wilkes County. The WilkesEDC works closely with the Town's of North Wilkesboro, Wilkesboro, and Ronda to bring jobs to Wilkes County.