North Carolina, January 6, 2026

North Carolina’s thriving economic environment showcases key trends in innovation and investment that could influence the business climate in Columbia, SC. The state’s entrepreneurial spirit is driving advancements in various sectors including healthcare, retail, and small business support. Notable developments include significant stock growth for companies like CommScope and Liquidia, as well as expansions from well-known businesses such as Wawa. As North Carolina continues to progress, its lessons in adaptability and investment could benefit surrounding regions, particularly the Midlands of South Carolina.

North Carolina

North Carolina’s Economic Pulse: Insights for Regional Growth

A look at the business landscape in our neighboring state reveals key trends in innovation and investment that could inform the future of the Columbia SC business environment.

As we observe the economic landscape of the Carolinas, it’s clear that entrepreneurial spirit and strategic development are driving significant progress. North Carolina, a close neighbor, offers valuable insights into the dynamics of regional economic growth, showcasing how innovation, private investment, and a focus on community needs can fuel prosperity. For South Carolina entrepreneurs and those keenly watching Midlands economic growth, understanding these trends across the border can illuminate pathways for local advancement and inspire further development within our own communities, fostering a robust Columbia small business ecosystem.

The commitment to nurturing a business-friendly environment and supporting diverse industries remains paramount for sustained economic vitality. From groundbreaking achievements in public companies to crucial investments in infrastructure and healthcare, the ongoing developments highlight the importance of adaptable strategies that empower businesses and serve residents effectively. These stories from North Carolina underscore the broader regional narrative of growth and the continuous pursuit of opportunities that can benefit the entire Carolinas’ economic fabric, including the flourishing Richland County economy.

Market Movers and Investment Highlights Across the Border

In 2025, North Carolina saw significant activity in its public markets. CommScope and Liquidia emerged as top-performing stocks among North Carolina-based companies. CommScope, a provider of infrastructure solutions for data centers, entertainment networks, and communication, demonstrated substantial demand and impressive double-digit top- and bottom-line growth in the third quarter of 2025. This performance was driven by advancements in its DOCSIS 4.0 protocol and Wi-Fi 7 upgrade cycle, alongside increasing demand from cloud and hyperscale data centers. The company’s stock saw a 278.1% gain in 2025, significantly outperforming the benchmark.

Liquidia Corporation also reported strong financial results for the third quarter of 2025, surpassing analyst expectations. The company’s success was largely attributed to the successful commercial launch of its product, YUTREPIA, indicating a transition towards profitability much sooner than many market observers had anticipated. Liquidia’s total revenue reached $54.3 million, with $51.7 million from YUTREPIA net product sales, significantly exceeding analyst estimates.

Beyond these high-growth companies, the state is home to some of the nation’s largest enterprises. As of January 2026, Bank of America (BAC) stands as the most valuable company in North Carolina, boasting a market capitalization of $421.38 billion USD. Other major companies contributing to the state’s economic strength include Lowe’s Companies (LOW) and Honeywell International (HON).

Expanding Retail and Essential Infrastructure

The consumer landscape in North Carolina is also seeing dynamic shifts. Wawa, a popular convenience store chain, commenced its expansion into the state by opening its first store in Kill Devil Hills on May 16, 2024. This was just the beginning of an ambitious plan, with Wawa projecting the opening of up to 11 additional stores in 2025 across counties such as Robeson, Pitt, Cumberland, Onslow, Johnston, Nash, Pender, Brunswick, and New Hanover. The company plans to open 6-8 stores annually, aiming for a total of 90 stores in North Carolina over the next eight to ten years, investing over $675 million in this expansion.

Investments in healthcare infrastructure are also notable. CaroMont Health opened its $260 million, 54-bed hospital in Belmont on January 8, 2025. This new facility, located about 10 miles west of Charlotte, is designed to serve the growing healthcare needs of Gaston, Lincoln, and Mecklenburg counties in North Carolina, as well as York County in South Carolina. The hospital is part of CaroMont Health’s commitment to invest over $400 million in construction and expansion projects in and around Gaston County.

Further enhancing healthcare accessibility, Mission Hospital in Asheville opened a $7 million, 14-bed Burn and Wound Center on August 7, 2023. This facility is the first burn center in western North Carolina, a crucial development that means patients in the region no longer have to travel more than 100 miles for specialized burn treatment.

Support for Innovation and Small Business

A thriving economy is often supported by robust resources for small businesses and innovators. The North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) plays a vital role in this regard. It offers one-on-one business counseling and advice to small business owners, university researchers, and entrepreneurs, helping them advance their innovations to the marketplace. The SBTDC is particularly focused on intellectual property (IP), assisting with patents, trademarks, and copyrights. It was the first Small Business Development Center in the nation to be officially recognized for providing specialized Technology Commercialization services and has helped North Carolina become a leader in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards, with clients successfully competing for millions in R&D support.

This dedication to fostering innovation and supporting small businesses is a testament to the state’s understanding that a diverse and dynamic business environment is key to long-term prosperity, a principle that also holds true for the Columbia small business community.

Energy Transition and Business Challenges

The energy sector in North Carolina is also undergoing significant transformation. Duke Energy replaced its Gaston coal plant with new facilities by December 30, 2024, as part of a broader shift towards more sustainable energy sources. The Allen Steam Station in Gaston County, which had been serving customers in North and South Carolina since 1957, was permanently shut down. Duke Energy plans to build its largest grid battery energy storage site on a portion of the 943-acre property. Construction of the first 50-megawatt, four-hour lithium-ion battery energy storage system is expected to be complete by the end of 2025. A second, larger 167-megawatt, four-hour battery storage system is planned to be ready by late 2027. These batteries will store solar and nuclear energy to offset peak demands.

While innovation drives much of the economic narrative, businesses also face challenges. Barnes Family Farms, a large sweetpotato grower in eastern North Carolina, entered receivership on December 19, 2024, after defaulting on $40 million in loans. This situation highlights the inherent risks and financial pressures that can impact even established agricultural enterprises, underscoring the need for careful financial management and resilience in the face of economic headwinds.

North Carolina’s economy closed out 2025 with steady momentum, showing sustained growth for the fifth consecutive year since COVID-19. Real GDP was expected to increase by 2.6% over the 2024 level, with leading output growth rates in agriculture, information, and business and professional services. The state was projected to have added 72,300 net jobs in 2025, a 1.4% increase in employment. The outlook for 2026 also appears positive, with projections for a 3.0% increase in GDP and 1.6% employment growth.

In 2026, North Carolina was also ranked the Top State for Workforce Development by Site Selection magazine, recognizing its workforce investments and initiatives. In 2025, the state experienced its best year of job announcements, with new capital investments exceeding $24 billion and over 35,000 new jobs created since January 2025.

Conclusion: Regional Vigor and Lessons for Growth

The recent economic developments in North Carolina offer a compelling snapshot of regional vigor driven by innovation, strategic investment, and a supportive environment for businesses. From the impressive stock performance of companies like CommScope and Liquidia to the significant expansions in retail and healthcare, these trends illustrate the power of entrepreneurial drive and thoughtful infrastructure development. As communities across the Carolinas, including Columbia, SC, continue to navigate economic opportunities and challenges, observing the successes and adaptations of our neighbors provides valuable lessons. Encouraging local innovation, streamlining regulations, and fostering a strong network of support for small and emerging businesses are critical components to cultivating a resilient and thriving Richland County economy. We encourage our readers to support Columbia small business ventures and stay engaged in the ongoing discussions shaping our collective economic future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which North Carolina companies were top-performing stocks in 2025?

CommScope and Liquidia were top-performing stocks among North Carolina-based companies in 2025.

What is the market capitalization of Bank of America in North Carolina as of January 2026?

As of January 2026, Bank of America (BAC) is the most valuable company in North Carolina, with a market capitalization of $421.38 billion USD.

When did Wawa open its first store in North Carolina?

Wawa opened its first store in North Carolina in Kill Devil Hills on May 16, 2024.

What are Wawa’s expansion plans for North Carolina in 2025?

In 2025, Wawa projects opening up to 11 additional stores in North Carolina across counties such as Robeson, Pitt, Cumberland, Onslow, Johnston, Nash, Pender, Brunswick, and New Hanover.

What is the North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) known for?

The North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) provides one-on-one business counseling and advice to small business owners, university researchers, and entrepreneurs, particularly in intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights). It was the first Small Business Development Center in the nation officially recognized for providing specialized Technology Commercialization services.

When did CaroMont Health open its new hospital in Belmont?

CaroMont Health opened its $260 million, 54-bed hospital in Belmont, North Carolina, on January 8, 2025.

What new healthcare facility opened in Asheville, North Carolina, in 2023?

Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, opened a $7 million, 14-bed Burn and Wound Center on August 7, 2023, making it the first burn center in western North Carolina.

What happened with Duke Energy’s Gaston coal plant by December 2024?

Duke Energy replaced its Gaston coal plant with new facilities by December 30, 2024, as part of a transition to more sustainable energy sources, planning to construct its largest grid battery energy storage site on the property.

What was the economic growth outlook for North Carolina in 2025 and 2026?

North Carolina’s economy closed out 2025 with steady momentum, with real GDP expected to increase by 2.6% over 2024 and 72,300 net jobs added. The outlook for 2026 includes projected GDP growth of 3.0% and employment growth of 1.6%.

Key Features of North Carolina’s Economic Landscape

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Author: HERE Charlotte

The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.