Economic Development NC/SC Businesses

Why Economic Development Matters Now

Economic development isn’t just a program it’s the environment in which businesses connect, grow, and create opportunity. Across North and South Carolina, the business landscape is evolving rapidly, and the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce plays a unique role in strengthening that ecosystem for LGBTQ+ and allied businesses and professionals.

Economic health is shaped not just by individual companies, but by the relationships that sustain them, between business and community, talent and opportunity, innovation and support. In 2026, our focus is on unlocking economic participation and visibility and on helping businesses of all sizes thrive in a changing landscape.

Healthy local economies are dynamic. They create jobs, support families, and attract investment. But not all businesses have equal access to the networks, resources, and platforms that enable growth. The Chamber’s economic development work is about making sure that every business has access to connection, support, and possibilities across the Carolinas. Our economic development strategy is rooted in three principles that guide everything we do:

• Community Is the Foundation - A strong business environment begins with a community that values participation, presence, and mutual support. The Chamber helps bring people together and business owners, professionals, community leaders, and regional partners to build a foundation of trust and shared purpose.
• Connections Are the Fuel - Opportunities emerge when relationships form. We create spaces, both in person and online, where meaningful connections happen: through events, programs, introductions, and collaborative initiatives. These connections expand networks and create access to new ideas, markets, and collaborators.
• Opportunities Are the Outcome - The ultimate goal of economic development is opportunity for growth, for partnerships, for access to capital, and for stability. By facilitating strategic relationships, helping businesses navigate funding and resources, and spotlighting business success, we help turn connection into tangible outcomes for companies across the region.

How We Drive Economic Development

We support economic development in the Carolinas in several interconnected ways.

Strategic Partnerships | We work alongside:

• Local government and economic development agencies
• Regional business alliances
• Corporate partners
• Nonprofit and workforce stakeholders
• These partnerships help align resources, reduce barriers, and open doors for businesses of all sizes.

Access to Funding and Resources | Our work connects businesses to:

• Funding opportunities
• Training and technical assistance
• Networks that lead to contracts and growth
• Tailored support that matches business goals
• Targeted Programming
• Through targeted workshops, panel discussions, and informational sessions, businesses build practical skills and make powerful connections that directly support growth.

Visibility and Recognition | Economic development includes ensuring that emerging and established businesses are seen by the right audiences from customers to partners to decision-makers. Through Chamber channels and events, companies gain exposure that fuels growth.

Economic Development in Action | It isn’t an ide,  it’s measurable impact. Across the Carolinas, businesses benefit from visibility, new connections, expanded markets, and increased access to programming and resources. Together, we are helping shape an environment where companies can:

• Enter new markets
• Find partners and collaborators
• Access capital and funding resources
• Build talent pipelines
• This work strengthens the entire regional economy and reinforces the Chamber’s role as a trusted economic connector.