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Job Creation
and Economic
Investment

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Golden LEAF funds economic development projects that focus on creating and retaining jobs, attracting new business to North Carolina, expanding industries and training new workers. Primarily, these projects are meant to create, expand, or improve business activity in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed or rural communities. Golden LEAF partners with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and local governments to provide gap funding to assist with job creation.

Projects in this priority area gather data to support outcomes including:

  • Investment in publicly owned infrastructure
  • Investment in privately owned property, plant, and equipment
  • New full-time jobs created
  • Average annual wage of new full-time jobs
  • Business start-ups
  • New housing units

As well as narrative outcomes including: jobs retained that were at risk without Golden LEAF support; comparison to county wages; job creation in identified job sectors; etc.

Projects are awarded in this priority area through all Golden LEAF programs. Please review the information and links below to determine which program might be best for your project.

Current Funding Opportunities

Open Grants Program
SITE Program

News

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Golden LEAF funding supports rural healthcare access and economic growth in southeastern North Carolina

Access to quality healthcare is an important part of economic development, helping communities attract businesses, support a healthy workforce, and create opportunities for long-term growth. In rural North Carolina, physician shortages can present challenges not only for residents seeking care but also for communities working to strengthen their economies.
October 21, 2026
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Golden LEAF funding supports healthcare job creation and expanded access to care in rural North Carolina

Access to quality healthcare is an important component of economic development in rural North Carolina. Healthcare facilities create employment opportunities, provide essential services for residents, and help communities attract and retain businesses and workers.
October 21, 2026
Critical Conversations - Social (2)

Golden LEAF Critical Conversations: Partnerships for Rural Economic Growth

Economic development in rural communities rarely happens because of the work of one organization. Long before a company announces plans to locate or expand, local, regional, state, and federal partners are working together to strengthen communities, prepare infrastructure, develop sites, support businesses, and position rural areas to compete for new investment.
October 7, 2026