Charlotte, NC, February 7, 2026

North Carolina is experiencing significant economic growth fueled by strategic investments and an entrepreneurial spirit. Corporate foresight, small business resilience, and community collaboration continue to create diverse job opportunities and attract capital. The state’s deliberate strategies have fostered a dynamic business environment, with key sectors like biotechnology and technology seeing substantial investments. Duke Energy plays a pivotal role in this development, enhancing site readiness and workforce capabilities. As the state embraces innovation, it establishes itself as a leader in economic development across various sectors.

Charlotte, NC

NC’s Economic Surge: Innovation Drives Growth

Strategic investments and the enduring entrepreneurial spirit are fueling significant job creation and capital infusion across North Carolina communities, creating a vibrant economic landscape.

North Carolina stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets opportunity. Across the state, a blend of corporate foresight, small-business resilience, and community collaboration is propelling robust economic growth. This momentum highlights the determination of local entrepreneurs and the positive impact of environments that foster private investment and limit undue regulatory burdens. By nurturing a climate where businesses can thrive, North Carolina continues to attract significant capital and generate a diverse range of employment opportunities, benefiting communities from the mountains to the coast.

The state’s economic success is not accidental; it is the result of deliberate strategies and the collective efforts of various stakeholders committed to fostering a dynamic business ecosystem. This includes prioritizing infrastructure, supporting workforce development through educational partnerships, and championing the innovative drive that defines the American spirit of enterprise. These foundational elements create a fertile ground for both established corporations to expand and for new ventures to take root, contributing to a cycle of prosperity that resonates across neighborhoods and strengthens the statewide economy.

Driving Economic Development Across North Carolina

Duke Energy plays a pivotal role in accelerating economic growth by helping communities across North Carolina attract jobs and capital investment. The company’s Site Readiness Program has significantly contributed to this effort, preparing high-potential industrial sites for economic development. Since 2005, this program has helped facilitate over 48,000 new jobs and $53 billion in capital investment across North Carolina. In 2025 alone, projects located on Site Readiness Program sites announced nearly $16 billion in capital investments and over 16,400 new jobs for North Carolina. Additionally, Duke Energy has invested $500,000 in North Carolina community colleges, bolstering workforce development in high-demand fields. These initiatives are crucial in making North Carolina competitive for companies seeking to expand or relocate, ensuring a steady stream of job opportunities and a stronger tax base for local communities.

North Carolina’s Biotechnology Boom

The life sciences sector continues to be a powerful engine of economic growth in North Carolina, demonstrating significant private investment and innovation. Amgen Inc., a pioneering biotechnology company, is establishing a new biologics manufacturing operation in Holly Springs, a State-level initiative that will create 355 jobs. Similarly, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies selected Wake County for a substantial expansion, bringing over $2 billion in new investment to the state and creating over 4,800 new jobs. In Durham, Taysha Gene Therapies plans to invest $75 million in capital expenditures to build and operate a gene therapy manufacturing facility, expecting to create approximately 200 jobs over two and a half years. These investments underscore North Carolina’s growing reputation as a hub for biotechnology, attracting companies that are at the forefront of medical innovation.

Expanding Digital Infrastructure and Addressing Community Concerns

The demand for advanced digital infrastructure is bringing significant investment to North Carolina, particularly in data center development. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is planning a record $10 billion data center project in Richmond County, located 80 miles east of Charlotte. This project is projected to create at least 500 new high-skilled jobs over five years. The data center campus will be situated in Rockingham’s Energy Way Industrial Park, adjacent to Duke Energy’s Smith Energy Complex. However, this growth also brings forth important community discussions. For instance, a proposed data center in Mooresville, North Carolina, has faced concerns from residents regarding environmental impact, noise and light pollution, and high energy and water usage. These discussions highlight the importance of balancing technological advancement and economic benefits with local community impact and environmental stewardship. The proposal for the Mooresville data center was later withdrawn. In response to the surge in data center proposals across North Carolina, Duke Energy and State-level regulators negotiated new rules in 2025, which include companies paying $100,000 upfront for a system load model to determine grid support, proving land control, discussing zoning with local officials, and funding necessary electric transmission infrastructure.

Manufacturing and Small Business Vitality

The strength of North Carolina’s economy is also rooted in the vitality of its manufacturing sector and the resilience of small businesses. Carolina Structural Systems, a manufacturer of wooden building trusses, opened a manufacturing plant in Star, Montgomery County, a State-level development. This involved an investment of $1.3 million and is expected to create 71 jobs over three years. This investment demonstrates the ongoing importance of traditional industries and the opportunities they provide for local employment and economic stability. Small businesses like Carolina Structural Systems contribute significantly to the diverse economic landscape, showcasing entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to grow within the state’s supportive environment.

Collaborative Efforts for a Smarter Future

Charlotte is actively embracing a future of innovation through collaborative partnerships. The City of Charlotte is working with the Office of Sustainability, the Urban Design Center, Duke Energy, and the North End Community Coalition on a smart city initiative. These types of partnerships exemplify how public and private entities can work together to enhance urban environments and drive sustainable economic development. Furthermore, institutions like Duke University, which evolved over 100 years into a leading education and research institution and a world-renowned academic medical center, continue to contribute significantly to North Carolina’s intellectual capital and economic prosperity.

Conclusion

North Carolina’s economic landscape is flourishing, driven by strategic investments, the vibrant spirit of entrepreneurship, and effective collaborations between public and private sectors. From the significant capital influx into biotechnology and digital infrastructure to the steady growth of manufacturing and small businesses, the state is demonstrating a balanced and robust approach to economic development. These efforts not only create jobs and attract capital but also build stronger, more resilient communities. We encourage all Charlotte NC business leaders and North Carolina entrepreneurs to stay engaged in the economic future of our region, supporting local businesses and fostering the innovative spirit that makes our state a leader in economic growth.

FAQ

What is Duke Energy’s role in North Carolina’s economic development?
Duke Energy helps communities across North Carolina attract jobs and capital investment through its Site Readiness Program, which prepares industrial sites for economic development. The program has helped deliver over 48,000 new jobs and $53 billion in capital investment in North Carolina since 2005. Duke Energy has also invested $500,000 in North Carolina community colleges.

What major biotechnology companies are investing in North Carolina?
Amgen Inc. is establishing a new biologics manufacturing operation in Holly Springs, creating 355 jobs. FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies selected Wake County for an expansion, bringing over $2 billion in new investment and over 4,800 new jobs. Taysha Gene Therapies plans to invest $75 million in Durham, creating approximately 200 jobs.

What significant digital infrastructure project is planned for North Carolina?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is planning a $10 billion data center project in Richmond County, 80 miles east of Charlotte, projected to create at least 500 new high-skilled jobs over five years.

Were there concerns about data center development in North Carolina?
Yes, a proposed data center in Mooresville, North Carolina, faced concerns from residents regarding environmental impact, noise and light pollution, and high energy and water usage. The proposal was later withdrawn.

What new rules were established for data center proposals in North Carolina?
In 2025, Duke Energy and State-level regulators negotiated new rules for data center proposals across North Carolina. These rules require companies to pay $100,000 upfront for a system load model, prove land control, discuss zoning with local officials, and fund necessary electric transmission infrastructure.

What is Carolina Structural Systems’ contribution to North Carolina’s economy?
Carolina Structural Systems, a manufacturer of wooden building trusses, opened a manufacturing plant in Star, Montgomery County, a State-level development. This involved an investment of $1.3 million and is expected to create 71 jobs over three years.

How is Charlotte fostering innovation and smart city initiatives?
The City of Charlotte is collaborating with the Office of Sustainability, the Urban Design Center, Duke Energy, and the North End Community Coalition on a smart city initiative.

Key Economic Development Features in North Carolina

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Author: HERE Charlotte

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