Economic Development & Employer Initiatives

Strengthening The Eastern NC
Economy

NC East Alliance fosters economic growth and development by connecting regional employers with the resources and workforce they need to succeed. We also shine light on the well-kept secret that Eastern North Carolina is an exceptional place to build a career or business.

Employer Initiative Goals:

Supporting industries of tomorrow and the workforce to power them

Though our economic development & employer initiatives we aim to:

  • Strengthen regional economies by attracting high-impact industries
  • Develop a full spectrum of professional groups to create a concentrated presence of future-forward industries
  • Address labor shortages through education, workforce development programs, and training partnerships
  • Get our students excited about this region’s industries and opportunities
  • Attract talent and investment by showcasing our region as a great place to live, work, and learn

“Employers and future-focused industries offer inspiration and pathways for our students and citizens to envision exciting, meaningful careers. At the same time, those students and citizens are invaluable assets to these employers, bringing fresh talent, perspectives, and energy to the workforce. It’s a symbiotic relationship that strengthens our communities, builds our economy, and ensures a brighter future for Eastern North Carolina.”

Mark Hamblin, Senior Vice President of Lost & Hidden Talent, NC East Alliance

What We Do:

Fostering an ecosystem of innovation, right here at home

We deliver on our employer-support and economic development goals through innovative programs and partnerships, including:

  • Industry Clusters:
    Targeting regional growth sectors like aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and the Blue Economy.
  • Business Retention & Expansion (BRE):
    Helping your local businesses grow and stay rooted in your community.
  • Business Recruitment:
    Elevating your county’s profile to attract talent and investment
  • Data & Research Tools:
    Access to JobsEQ, PLACER.AI, Dunn & Bradstreet, CoStar—equipping you with real-time insights.
  • Product Development
    Identifying and promoting new sites, buildings, and infrastructure opportunities.
  • Economic Development Staff Support:
    Hands-on assistance for listings, grants, request for Information responses, and more.

Let’s Work Together to Make Eastern North Carolina an Amazing Place to Learn and Work.

NC East Alliance’s Key Initiatives:

Education Initiatives

STEM East builds a strong regional talent pipeline by equipping educators and students with STEM resources, curriculum, and real-world career pathways.

Economic Development & Employer Initiatives

We partner with regional employers to strengthen Eastern North Carolina’s workforce pipeline, promote career opportunities, and support efforts to prepare, attract, and retain top talent.

Marketing Initiatives

We elevate Eastern North Carolina’s story through region-wide marketing that highlights the area’s opportunity, beauty, and creativity for residents and audiences beyond.

Lost & Hidden Talent

We strengthen the region’s talent ecosystem by surfacing untapped opportunities and supporting overlooked individuals in accessing training and career pathways.

Community Development Initiatives

We help restore vibrancy and pride in Eastern North Carolina’s small towns and rural communities through redevelopment planning and revitalization efforts.