North Carolina Community College System's Economic Development Annual Report Highlights Workforce Training, Business Growth Across All 100 Counties

Nearly 34K people trained, 17K Registered Apprentices served, and nearly 900 new businesses launched through network of 58 community colleges: NCCCS Economic Development – FY2025-26 report

RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) released its Economic Development Annual Report, highlighting how workforce training, employer partnerships, and entrepreneurial support helped businesses across all 100 counties build talent, strengthen operations, and prepare for growth during fiscal year 2025-26, a year in which North Carolina also topped Site Selection Magazine's workforce rankings.

Through four statewide offerings, the NCCCS connects businesses and workers with resources tailored to evolving workforce needs. The Small Business Center Network (SBCN) helps entrepreneurs start and grow businesses, while ApprenticeshipNC helps employers build a skilled workforce through Registered Apprenticeship Programs that provide paid, hands-on training and meaningful career pathways for North Carolinians. NCEdge Customized Training delivers training tailored to employer needs, and BioNetwork provides specialized training and technical resources for the life sciences industry. Among the year's results: NCEdge trained 33,878 people; ApprenticeshipNC supported 16,759 Registered Apprentices; BioNetwork trained 2,669 specialized workforce trainees; and SBCN helped launch 872 businesses.

"Across our state, businesses are growing, industries are evolving, and technology is changing the way work gets done. Employers need to recruit talent, retain good employees, develop new skills, and prepare their workforce for what comes next," said John Loyack, vice president of economic development for NCCCS. "Our 58 community colleges are uniquely positioned to help them do it. We are excited to release this report detailing the significant expansion and diversification of these programs and their direct contributions to economic growth across North Carolina."

The report further highlights NCCCS's cross-industry support, from advanced manufacturing and biotechnology to small business development and work-based learning. Notable partnerships include outdoor furniture manufacturer POLYWOOD's workforce expansion in Person County; Novo Nordisk's biomanufacturing training; air-movement manufacturer Greenheck Group's efforts to strengthen its North Carolina workforce through customized training and Registered Apprenticeship; and Pennsylvania Transformer Technologies' planned $100 million expansion in Hoke County.

The division translates these partnerships into practical workforce solutions, entrepreneurial support, and specialized industry expertise.

During the fiscal year, NCEdge trained a total of 33,878 people, served 544 companies, and completed 323 projects. At J&L Machine & Fabrication, a partnership with Gaston College delivered 30-plus training offerings to 261 employees, helping the company generate $2.5 million in new business, save $450,000 annually, and reduce its reject rate from 3.3% to 0.89%.

Operating through all 58 community colleges, SBCN served 6,733 clients, delivered 17,256 counseling hours, and hosted 4,537 training events. Its support helped launch 872 businesses and created or retained 11,261 jobs. Through Johnston Community College's Small Business Center, Oak City Spice Blends founder Michel McNeese was able to expand into retail and wholesale markets, open a storefront, and achieve reported sales growth of 300%. SBCN also supported emerging businesses through initiatives like its statewide Startup Showdown, which drew 316 applicants and awarded $60,000 in unrestricted startup funding to three winners.

ApprenticeshipNC served 4,106 employers and 16,759 participants, supporting 5,659 new Registered Apprentice enrollments with 2,072 program completions. At Fort Bragg, a major U.S. Army installation, enrollments across 60 occupations in 2025-26 helped 652 service members translate military training into recognized credentials.

BioNetwork delivered 235 specialized training courses to 2,669 workforce trainees and reached 14,085 participants through STEM outreach. Four career fairs and hiring events also connected 767 job seekers with life sciences employers. Industry partnerships included hands-on aseptic processing training for Novo Nordisk and advanced analytical and testing resources for businesses through the program's Food, Beverage, and Natural Products Center at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech).

"None of this work happens alone. Community colleges work alongside employers, economic developers, workforce organizations, state and local government, education partners, and community organizations to bring the right resources together around a need. That ability to work together is one of North Carolina's greatest economic development strengths," added Loyack.

Looking ahead, the NCCCS will strengthen its partnerships and continue investing in tools that improve coordination and connect employers with workforce solutions.

The full 2025-2026 Economic Development Annual Report details statewide results and examples of how North Carolina's community colleges are preparing businesses and communities for the future.

About the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS)

The North Carolina Community College System is the engine for workforce development in North Carolina and the only public entity dedicated to providing affordable college access to anyone in the state. The System is governed by the NC State Board of Community Colleges with administration from the NC Community College System Office, and support from the NC Community Colleges Foundation, and is powered by the 58 community colleges and their respective foundations. Together, the System serves 600,000 students and awards more than 60,000 degrees, diplomas, and certificates annually. For more information, visit https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/.

About NCEdge Customized Training

NCEdge, launched in 1958, is the North Carolina Community College System's customized training program, delivered through 58 colleges at 150-plus sites statewide. The program partners with businesses to provide tailored upskilling and reskilling, helping employees master new technologies, and boost productivity. In a four-year period, NCEdge delivered training to more than 100,000 participants across North Carolina. Supported by permanent state funding, NCEdge is a cornerstone of North Carolina's workforce and economic development strategy. Learn more at ncedge.org.

About ApprenticeshipNC (ANC)

Recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship to act on behalf of the U.S. Department of Labor, ApprenticeshipNC (ANC), a part of the North Carolina Community College System, is the only approved registration and compliance body for Registered Apprenticeship in North Carolina. The ApprenticeshipNC team works directly with employers, educational institutions, and community partners in all 100 North Carolina counties to design, launch, and expand Registered Apprenticeship and Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Programs. ANC also acts as an information source for individuals interested in pursuing career opportunities through Registered Apprenticeship. Learn more at nccommunitycolleges.edu/businesses/apprenticeships.

About Small Business Center Network (SBCN)

The North Carolina Small Business Center Network (SBCN) is one of the nation's largest state-funded small business assistance programs, operating through all 58 North Carolina community colleges. Through confidential business counseling, practical training, technical assistance, and resource connections, SBCN helps aspiring and existing entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain successful businesses. By empowering small business owners in communities across the state, the Network plays a vital role in fostering innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening North Carolina's economy. Learn more at ncsbc.net.

About NC BioNetwork

NC BioNetwork provides industry-driven economic and workforce development for the biotechnology and life science industries across North Carolina through education, training, and laboratory resources. Its mission is to connect and support colleges, companies, and students through professional growth and career pathways. Learn more at ncbionetwork.org.

SOURCE North Carolina Community College System