HOME
$5.5 million in Rural Center grants to create 660 jobs
The Rural Center has announced $5.5 million in grants to create jobs, provide clean water and assist with economic development in rural counties. The 36 grants will create 660 jobs and assist projects benefiting more than 32 counties. Read more
Two projects, 250 jobs for southeastern counties
Two projects announced in as many days will mean over 250 new jobs for Columbus and Robeson counties. In Robeson, Trinity Frozen Food will process sweet potatoes into fries while Ply Gem, a building products manufacturer, will expand in Columbus County. Rural Center grants aided both projects.
5,000 new jobs in 2012
With effects of the Great Recession still lingering, the Rural Center focused much of its effort in 2012 on rural job creation. The result: 5,000 new jobs. See our year at-a-glance.
Loan participation program jumpstarts job creation
The Small Business Credit Initiative helps businesses obtain the credit needed to create jobs across the state. The initiative so far has enabled loans that are projected to save or create 4,400 jobs. Read more.
Internship program launches this summer
The new Public Service Internship Program will place 35 college students in rural county governments this summer for four to six weeks of service. The program is being sponsored by the State Employees' Credit Union Foundation and administered by the Rural Center. Read more.
Report details prospects for manufacturing resurgence
The Rural Center has released the results of an expansive, yearlong study of the state of manufacturing in North Carolina. It cites growing reasons for optimism about the future of manufacturing, calls for establishment of the North Carolina Manufacturing Council and provides new insights to guide the work of policy makers and economic developers. Read more. Download the report.
Center releases latest edition of N.C. Rural Profile
Overflowing with charts, graphs and statistics on the top economic and social trends affecting rural North Carolina, the Profile is a must for anyone seeking to improve rural life in our state. Download the report.
Join the New Generation
The Rural Center’s New Generation Initiative is up and running. The initiative is a three-year, $3.6 million effort to transform rural communities through youth and young adult engagement. Encompassing four distinct programs, it offers opportunities in entrepreneurship development, on-the-job training, leadership development and community service. Learn how you can become involved.
Apply now:
New Generation Ventures: Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more.
New Generation Leaders: Applications for 2013 grants are due April 17. Learn more.
2012 Rural Partners Forum
Over 500 people joined us for the 2012 Rural Partners Forum Oct. 16-17 in Raleigh. The theme was "Enterprising Communities: Transforming local resources into powerful economic assets." Read more.