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.

Job Creation and Economic Investment News

Copy of Scholar Spotlight (69)

Expanding Access to Dental Care and Creating Jobs in Bertie County

The Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center (RCCHC) is bringing new opportunities for both healthcare access and employment to rural Bertie County through the development of the Aulander Dental and Primary Care Clinic. Supported in part by the Golden LEAF Foundation, this 10,000-square-foot facility will house eight dental operatories and four medical exam rooms, offering integrated care in a medically underserved area.
November 12, 2025
Copy of Scholar Spotlight (66)

CommWell Health of Newton Grove/Spivey’s Corner is creating jobs and expanding access to rural healthcare

CommWell Health of Newton Grove/Spivey’s Corner has completed a major renovation and reconfiguration of its healthcare facility in Sampson County in time for its 50th anniversary. The updated campus strengthens access to primary care, dental, and behavioral health services for residents in this rural community while creating new jobs in the healthcare field.
October 22, 2025
J&J event

Golden LEAF Economic Catalyst Funding Supports Crucial Job Creation

When a company considers bringing new jobs to a community, details matter. From the speed of moving from deal-signing to production, to site infrastructure and workforce availability, these are critical factors that determine where and how companies choose to grow.
July 23, 2025