North Carolina Direct Financial Incentives
North Carolina's economic development, finance and tax organizations provide a range of incentive programs to initiate new business and commercial investment.
Q1 2014
Research and Development Tax Credit
Provide tax credits for qualified North Carolina research expenses during a taxable year.
Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit
Provide a tax credit to North Carolina taxpayer that develops interactive digital media (IDM) within the state.
Renewable Energy Tax Credits
Provide a tax credit of 35% of the cost of renewable energy property.
Film incentives
Provide tax credits and sales and use tax discounts to encourage film and television production in North Carolina.
Discretionary Programs:
One North Carolina Fund
Awards grants for job creation and/or retention in conjunction with local government matches.
Job Development Investment Grant
Provides a limited number of cash grants to new and expanding businesses that will provide economic benefits to the state and are competitive with other locations, and need the grant to carry out the project in North Carolina.
SBIR/STTR Small Business Technology Funding
Awards matching funds to firms who have been awarded a SBIR/STTR Phase I award from the federal government.
Other Cost-Saving Programs and Resources:
Foreign Trade Zones
Provide opportunities to defer, reduce and/or eliminate import duties.
Community Development Block Grants and Industrial Development Fund
Provide grants and loans for infrastructure development to eligible local governments.
North Carolina Rural Division
The NC Rural Division of the NC Department of Commerce will administer the N.C. Economic Infrastructure program and Building Reuse and Restorations Grant which provides funding to local governments for infrastructure and building projects.
Recycling Business Assistance Center
Provides grants, tax credits and loans to businesses involved with recycling in North Carolina.
Industrial Revenue Bonds
Provide tax-exempt financing for eligible new or expanded manufacturing facilities, certain solid waste disposal facilities and sewage disposal facilities.
Road Access and Rail Access Programs
Provide funds for the construction of roads and rail access to new or expanded industrial facilities.
North Carolina Biotechnology Center
Provides loans and matches to help leverage larger financial awards for biotechnology companies.
North Carolina State Contact:
North Carolina Department of Commerce
301 N. Wilmington Street
4310 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4310
(919) 733-4151
Incentive and tax information is provided to Area Development by each state's economic development or commerce agency for information purposes only and is subject to revision at any time by the state government. Please contact the state agency directly for full requirements and offerings.
Recent Project Announcements
AbbVie Plans Durham, North Carolina, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operations
04/24/2026
Japan-Based SMBC Group Plans Charlotte, North Carolina, Headquarters Operations
04/20/2026
Linde Plans Garysburg, North Carolina, Air Separation Operations
04/17/2026
Hitachi Energy Plans Cary, North Carolina, Operations
04/15/2026
Lumentum Holdings Plans Greensboro, North Carolina, Production Operations
04/14/2026
Capital Group Plans Charlotte, North Carolina, Operations
04/11/2026
Brazil-Based TSEA Energy Plans Eden, North Carolina, Manufacturing Operations
04/02/2026
BorgWarner Plans Hendersonville, North Carolina, Manufacturing Operations
03/23/2026
Altec Expands Mount Airy, North Carolina, Production Operations
03/23/2026
US Forged Rings Plans Hertford County, North Carolina, Steel Production Operations
03/22/2026
US Forged Rings Plans Hertford County, North Carolina, Steel Component Operations
03/02/2026
Johnson & Johnson Expands Wilson County, North Carolina, Production Operations
01/16/2026
Coley Home Expands Claremont, North Carolina, Manufacturing Operations
12/24/2025
Hoffman & Hoffman Expands Greensboro, North Carolina, Headquarters Operations
12/24/2025
Mission Critical Interior Solutions Plans Springfield, South Carolina, Manufacturing Operations
12/24/2025
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