Building Vibrant Communities
The NC Rural Center’s mission is to develop, promote, and implement sound economic strategies to improve the quality of life of rural North Carolinians. We serve the state’s 78 rural counties, with a special focus on people with low to moderate incomes and communities with limited resources.
Hurricane Helene Response
Hurricane Helene brought unprecedented flooding and damage in North Carolina, much of it in rural communities. The Rural Center has compiled an evolving list of resources to help people in need of assistance. If you have an existing loan with Thread Capital and your business has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, please call 919-250-4314 or email us at connect@threadcap.org.
News & Stories
Learn more about what we're doing at the NC Rural Center. Catch up on our latest news, client profiles, impact stories, research and press releases.
“Powerful, Grounding, Deeply Affirming:” Small Business Owner, Leader Builds on 30 Years of Rural Insights with REDI Leadership Training
Alumni Network, LeadershipRural North Carolina Continues Population Growth
Data Visualization, ResearchFrom Pandemic Pivot to Community Cornerstone: How a Rural Center Loan Is Helping One Small Business Flourish
Disaster Recovery, Loan Participation Program, Small Business LendingPrime Numbers
1.64 million people in the rural labor force (annual average) in 2023
44 thousand business applications in rural counties in 2023
3.7% unemployment rate for rural counties (annual average) in 2023
22% of rural residents are 65 years or older
Rural residents have an average per capita personal income of 53,362 dollars
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