Entrepreneurship
Caldwell County Economic Development (CCED) understands that small businesses are the backbone of our region, plain and simple. According to the Small Business Administration, 99.9 percent of all firms in the nation are small businesses with under 500 employees. Additionally, small businesses have accounted for 62 percent of net new job creation since 1995.
Caldwell County’s legacy industries were founded by entrepreneurs with names like Broyhill, Bernhardt and Kincaid, and entrepreneurship is still thriving today. In recent years, record numbers of new Caldwell County businesses and industries have registered with the NC Secretary of State, with 505 in 2022 alone.
In Caldwell County, CCED is your first stop for information and expert guidance to assist you in starting a new venture. Contact us today because success starts with a plan. We’ll be happy to connect you to the resources you need. Our progressive business climate is ripe for opportunity!
CaldWELL CONNECTED
The McCreary HUB Station Business Center, owned by the Town of Hudson, serves as a launchpad incubator space for Caldwell County entrepreneurs. Home to Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) Small Business Center, startups and businesses can access cutting-edge counseling, guidance and free workshops. Affordable shared and private work areas are available, featuring internet access, utilities, restrooms, a shared kitchen and access to technology.
Shared and Private Remote Workspaces for Lease
Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) Small Business Center, located in The HUB Station Business Center, supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses as a community-based provider of training, counseling and resource information. Confidential counseling services and access to resource libraries are free of charge, and seminars and workshops are at no cost or require a minimal registration fee.
Startup Caldwell-Watauga Entrepreneurs connects you with experienced entrepreneurs and small business owners in Caldwell and Watauga counties to get your business questions answered. Besides networking opportunities, Startup Caldwell-Watauga provides access to local entrepreneurial programs, events, spotlights and more.
EDPNC Small Business Advisors is a free service for anyone seeking to start a small business in North Carolina. Working in partnership with the NC Department of Commerce, they offer one-on-one phone consultations to those interested in starting a business, small business owners needing general support and entrepreneurs interested in moving to North Carolina. They can help entrepreneurs navigate regulatory requirements, licensing stipulations, small-business training and more.
Rural Rise NC is an initiative that connects you with mentors, business counselors, funding sources and more — within your community and beyond. Many of these resources are free.
Move right into one of our existing manufacturing buildings. The infrastructure is in place and a trained workforce is ready.
Caldwell County ranked 20th out of North Carolina’s 100 counties for wage growth in 2023. Since 2015, wages have grown an impressive 51.5%.
Record numbers of new businesses and industries have registered in Caldwell: 250-500 each year since 2018. The CCC&TI Business Center is ready to assist.
Powered by an economy that has hit its stride and turbocharged by a track record of innovation, Caldwell County is the best of NC.
NC has increased production of renewables by nearly 52%, double the average of all 50 states
CCED works closely with CCC&TI and local manufacturers to meet the workforce needs of employers.