There has never been a better time to start a business in our region, and according to Forbes Magazine, there could not be a much better place to start a business than Hickory. In 2010, Forbes Magazine listed the city of Hickory, NC as the second best place in the country to start a business for its ”Cost of Doing Business”. This ranking is based on the cost of labor, energy, taxes and office space. GrowYourOwnBiz.Com is an excellent resource for those looking to start or relocate a business in our area.
Workforce:
This region has an energized workforce, hungry for new job opportunities. The workers here are skilled, and there are many employment agencies to help you staff your business. 95% of local employers rate their workers’ productivity as good or excellent.
A Diverse Economy:
Danny Hearn, President of the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce, says “The Hickory Metro area has one of the most diverse economies of its size in the country. A furniture manufacturing brand known throughout the world along with fiber-optic cable, call centers, distribution centers, data storage facilities/server farms like Apple and Google, textiles, huge retail furniture showrooms, and a small business entrepreneurial spirit that has created some of the most creative and innovative products on the market today. A non-union environment, a strong manufacturing workforce coupled with a low-cost of living, strong and unique higher educational facilities, excellent public school systems, an unparalleled abundance of cultural arts institutions and attractions, the Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn (a Champions Tour event), home to the oldest race track in America, Hickory Motor Speedway, minor league baseball and much more are here when you decide to ‘Start Something Here!’ ”
Office and Industrial Space:
There are many spaces for operating businesses available at competitive prices. The EDC has a comprehensive listing of these. These include large manufacturing spaces, smaller office spaces, and retail stores as well. Our real estate market is one of the best in the state, and there are many options. You are sure to find precisely what you need for your business, at a lower-than-average price.
Location:
Another perk to starting a business here is location. The area is intersected by I-40 and is close to I-77 and I-85. The region is within a day’s drive of 60% of the U.S. population. We are midway between Florida and New York, and less than an hour from Charlotte. This makes it a wonderful place to house:
- Distribution and Logistic Centers
- Data centers
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Support services for these industries
Education and Workforce Training:
The Hickory, Newton, Conover region offers several education and workforce training institutes, including:
- Lenoir-Rhyne University
- North Carolina Center for Engineering Technologies
- The Appalachian State University Greater Hickory Partnership
- Catawba Valley Community College
- Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
Additionally, several of the area’s larger universities frequently partner and participate in eduction and economic development events. These include:
- North Carolina State University
- Western Carolina University
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
“This area’s tremendous location, its heritage as a creative manufacturing spot, and the mindset of the people toward starting businesses and competing for opportunities, has set the stage for others to do the same”, says Scott Millar, President of the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation, “and we’re here to try and encourage more of the same in new and different ways. We’re always talking to people about new business opportunities, from new companies, existing companies, and startups.”
Financial Incentives:
Catawba County offers many financial incentives for those looking to start businesses here. Local incentives are granted by each municipality and then by Catawba County on a case-by-case basis.
Use the following links to find more detailed information about the financial incentives available to you:
- Find and download much more useful information about local incentives at the Catawba County Economic Development site.
- Download a list of incentives offered at a state level.
- Learn about more financial incentives and resources available to you through ThriveNC .
- Contact the Economic Development Council.
Quality of Life:
This region is clearly a wise choice for new business start-ups, or for relocations of businesses. In addition to all of the advantages for businesses here, it is also a wonderful place to live.
- Hickory has been named All-American City 3 times, in 1967, 1987, and 2007.
- Reader’s Digest named it one of the top 10 places to live and raise a family.
More information about the area can be found in the Live and Learn sections of this site.
