Mecklenburg County’s economic development program consists primarily of managing the Business Investment Program (commonly referred to as “incentives”) and other economic development grants; assisting other County departments with the redevelopment of County-owned real estate; and operating a Minority, Women and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) program. 

Many of the County’s economic development efforts are undertaken in partnership with our allies, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the City of Charlotte Economic Development Office, the Charlotte Regional Partnership, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, Charlotte Center City Partners, Lake Norman Economic Development Corporation and the Centralina Council of Governments.

The County’s Business Investment Program grants are targeted to high-wage, high-capital investment companies through the use of a fiscal impact analysis tool.  Additionally, the county’s economic development marketing efforts (carried out primarily by the Charlotte Regional Partnership and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce) are focused on six targeted industry sectors (Health, Energy, Defense, Finance, Motorsports and Film). 

The County is also involved in a collaborative effort with the City of Charlotte to implement a Small Business Strategy Plan in collaboration with our economic development partners, including the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, Central Piedmont Community College and others.

The purpose of the MWSBE program is to provide small and minority-owned businesses with the opportunity to participate in construction and professional services contracts with the County.  Additional information on this program can be found at: Minority and Women Business Enterprise.