Economic Development Needs Equity Driven Growth 

Use Our Strengths: Leverage Transportation Infrastructure

To unlock Greensboro’s full potential, we must leverage our city’s strengths: robust transportation infrastructure, including interstate access, two airports, and key railroads. These assets position us as a hub for commerce and economic development, making Greensboro a prime location for investment and growth. We are the “Gate City” for a reason. We must promote and build on these assets, ensuring that our growth is inclusive and equitable, benefiting all residents and businesses alike.

Growth Plan for Transportation

• Leverage Greensboro’s central location and major interstate access to position the city as a logistics and trade hub.

•  Highlight Piedmont Triad International Airport’s role in supporting key industries with passenger and cargo services.

•  Strengthen transportation links to attract high-tech and manufacturing industries, supported by business incentives.

•  Improve transportation to boost talent, tourism, and economic vibrancy, making Greensboro a more connected community.

Invest in Small Businesses 

Small businesses are a key economic driver for Greensboro. Investing in them not only helps reduce costs in other areas, like homelessness, but also strengthens the local economy. Supporting small businesses is crucial for community development. They create jobs, drive economic growth, and provide more stability than larger corporations. This investment pays off by bringing long-term returns to the city and fostering a healthier, more resilient community.

New small business initiatives 

 To support growth an elevate debt our city must:

• Connect small businesses with investment and venture capitalists as a means to alleviate debt and support growth 

• Offer capital grants- relieving small and new businesses with loan 

• Establish contract connections: 

• Focus on supplier development customer-supplier relationship - connecting small local businesses with local customers.

• Professional service business development and establish contract connections-  

• Targeted Grants: Offer grants or low-interest loans for businesses in high-potential industries like clean energy, transportation, and logistics. Provide financial incentives to businesses that hire locally and contribute to community development.

• Tax Breaks & Incentives: Provide tax incentives or breaks for businesses that innovate in key areas, like sustainability or community-focused development.

• Support for Scaling: Focus on helping small businesses expand by connecting them with resources like access to new markets, business development coaching, and government contracting opportunities.

Focus on childcare, a key driver of economic growth and workforce 

Childcare is crucial for parents to participate in the workforce, engage in civic duties, access education and healthcare, and tackle challenges like poverty, food insecurity, and employment. A new report from the North Carolina Department of Commerce and NC Child reveals that supporting parents of young children to rejoin the workforce could boost the state's GDP by up to $7.5 billion, generate an additional $13.3 billion annually, and create up to 68,000 new jobs. Governor Roy Cooper emphasized that investing in quality child care and early education benefits children, parents, and businesses alike, driving economic growth and helping families thrive. Cities can support small businesses that create childcare by providing financial assistance, improving access to capital, and advocating for increased funding. 

Invest in childcare

• Resource start up childcare business (written in accessible language) 

• Create supportive network of operators (cohort style recognition of completers)

• Grow pool of qualified childcare providers (coordinate with GTCC and UNCG around B-K programs)

• Support childcare business growth: Expand childcare options in underserved areas and promote minority business ownership with resources and training.