Cabarrus Economic Development
The Cabarrus Economic Development is the economic development agency for Cabarrus County. As a collaboration of local government and local businesses, the Partnership commits its efforts to creating jobs and building tax base in Cabarrus County and it municipalities. Activities focus on attraction of new industry, as well as retention and expansion of existing businesses.
Charlotte Regional Partnership
The Charlotte Regional Partnership is a nonprofit, public/private organization dedicated to economic growth and prosperity in Charlotte USA - a region of 2.2 million people in twelve counties in North Carolina and four counties in South Carolina.
North Carolina Department of Commerce
The Department of Commerce is the State of North Carolina's lead agency for economic, community and workforce development. The Department also has under its auspices the information technology function for state government and agencies which regulate commerce in the state.
Within the Department of Commerce, the Business ServiCenter has been established in partnership with SBA's Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), the North Carolina Community College System, and the North Carolina Industrial Extension Service. Industry specialists in the Business ServiCenter can advise you about existing programs and resources that are designed to improve the profitability of companies. You can email questions, request a field visit or call the ServiCenter to talk directly with a representative.
North Carolina Department of Labor
The Department of Labor is responsible for promoting the health, safety and general well-being of more than 4 million workers. The laws and programs the department administers affect every worker--and virtually every person--in the state.
The Department offers a new business packet which is designed for businesses that have recently opened or are getting ready to open in North Carolina that employ more than five workers. The packet includes information about some of the services provided by the NCDOL. To request a copy, click the new business packet link above. Complete the form and submit it to the N.C. Department of Labor to have them mail you a new business packet.
Training, Education and Research
Rowan Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) offers a variety of occupational programs leading to an associate degree in Applied Science. RCCC offers training and assistance for businesses regardless of size. Specialized training programs can be tailored to the specific needs of a business.
Located four miles southwest of Concord, UNC Charlotte is the fourth largest of the 16 institutions within the University of North Carolina system. With enrollment approaching 20,000 students (45 percent men, 55 percent women), including about 4,000 graduate students, UNC Charlotte is the largest institution of higher education in the Charlotte region. Enrollment is projected to increase to more than 25,000 by the year 2010. UNC Charlotte and the "University City" area are easily accessible from Concord via I-85, US 29 and NC 49.
Affiliated with the university is the Charlotte Research Institute. The CRI seeks to develop technology-based academic and business partnerships, ranging from consultation to onsite collaborative research. These efforts will attract expertise and resources to the region resulting in the creation of a top-tier interdisciplinary technology research community. Important products of this endeavor include regional cooperation, entrepreneurship, and economic development. The institute's support of education and research includes its three centers: eBusiness, Optoelectronics and Optical Communications, and Precision Metrology.
Export Assistance
The U.S. Export Assistance Centers of North Carolina help NC businesses to excel in international markets. Experienced International Trade Specialists are located in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh. Specialists in the global network will assist U.S. firms to export products and services by identifying qualified international buyers and representatives, advocating on their behalf, and providing comprehensive solutions to whatever challenges they may encounter. The related U.S. Government web sites are www.export.gov and www.BUYUSA.GOV.
North Carolina World Trade Association
The North Carolina World Trade Association (NCWTA) serves professionals involved in the trade of goods and services internationally. The organization also promotes the growth of international commerce between North Carolina and the world. Recognized as the "voice of international trade in North Carolina," NCWTA acts as a nerve-center for individuals, companies, and organizations that seek trade expansion for the state.
US Patent and Trademark Office
The US Patent and Trademark Office web site contains a wealth of information on filing and searching patents, trademarks, copyrights and other identifiers of intellectual property.
Industrial Extension Service of N. C. State University
NC State's Industrial Extension Service, the first of its kind in the US, was established in 1955 to help North Carolina industries grow and prosper. On their website you will find information about the ways that they can help your company stay abreast of the latest technologies and best practices from both engineering and business management perspectives. The website describes their extensive products and services for continuing education; industrial and solar energy; environmental, safety, and health management; lean enterprise; and quality. Additionally, you can access true stories describing successful collaborations with North Carolina companies, and tap into a multitude of other resources.
North Carolina Chamber
The North Carolina Chamber (formerly NCCBI) is a non-partisan advocacy organization working to make sure the state is*and remains*the best in the country in which to do business. The Chamber represents North Carolina companies of all sizes.
The North Carolina Chamber plays a leadership role in many areas, including economic development, transportation, education, environmental protection, health care, workplace safety, government efficiency, tax and fiscal policy, and civil justice. The organization is dedicated to representing its members and informing its constituencies about these and other business-related issues.
National Federation of Independent Business
The National Federation of Independent Business is the nation's largest small-business advocacy group representing the consensus views of its 600,000 members. NFIB's purpose is to impact public policy at the state and federal level and be a key business resource for small and independent business in America. NFIB also gives its members a power in the marketplace. By pooling the purchasing power of its 600,000 members, the National Federation of Independent Business gives members access to many business products and services at discounted costs. NFIB also provides timely information designed to help small businesses succeed.
National Association of Manufacturers
The National Association of Manufacturers is the nation's largest industrial trade association, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NAM has 10 additional offices across the county.
Concord Downtown Development Corporation
The Concord Downtown Development Corporation manages the downtown municipal service district to foster growth through promotion, design, business development and the organization of human resources. CDDC works in partnership with other cities in North Carolina as a member of the Main Street Program of the NC Department of Commerce.
Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce serves its members as an advocate, resource and catalyst for business success. Located just off I-85 at Exit 60, the Chamber is an important membership organization for businesses in Cabarrus County and its municipalities. The Chamber partners with its members to address local business needs and promote the community. It offers some excellent resources for both new and existing businesses.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. Small business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building America's future, and to helping the United States compete in today's global marketplace. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. The SBA offers free publications on a wide variety of topics to assist small businesses.
