NCGrowth
Our center directly assists companies and communities to work towards creating prosperity through the following initiatives:
NCGrowth
NCGrowth is a university center that helps businesses and communities create good jobs and equitable opportunities through applied research and technical assistance. In partnership with other universities and community organizations, NCGrowth provides technical assistance to businesses and governments on economic development and entrepreneurship projects. Since 2012 NCGrowth has helped to create hundreds of jobs and worked with more than a hundred clients.
SmartUp
SmartUp aims to transform communities by supporting businesses committed to local hiring. SmartUp selects a cohort of up to 10 growing companies in 3 high potential communities, including the Elizabeth City and North Charleston Regions. In addition to providing consulting services for 2 years, SmartUp hosts networking events and workshops in coordination with local government and other resource providers to further strengthen the entire business community. Our goals are to connect entrepreneurs to resources, strengthen existing entrepreneurial ecosystems, and fundamentally change how individuals and struggling communities perceive themselves. This program is built on the existing framework of the Kenan Institute’s flagship economic development program, NCGrowth.
Homegrown Tools
Homegrown Tools tells the story of small towns that have successfully stimulated private investment and job creation. The tool is meant to connect public officials, practitioners, and researchers to successful small town economic development strategies and inspire small towns to leverage their unique assets.
We are directly assisting companies & communities