North Carolina, October 19, 2025
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has announced $9.8 million in grants aimed at stimulating job creation in rural areas throughout the state. The funding will support underserved regions by financing small businesses, workforce training programs, and infrastructure projects. This initiative is designed to bridge economic divides, creating sustainable employment opportunities and promoting community development in rural communities that face ongoing challenges.
Raleigh, NC
Governor Josh Stein has announced $9.8 million in grants aimed at stimulating job creation and economic development in North Carolina’s rural communities. These grants are expected to generate 758 new jobs and attract over $179 million in public and private investments.
Details of the Grants
The Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved 21 grant requests totaling $9,815,885. These funds are allocated across various programs designed to support infrastructure development, building renovations, and site improvements in underserved areas. Notable projects include:
- Bladen County: A $290,000 grant to support the reuse of a 55,600-square-foot building in Bladenboro, which will be occupied by MST Rebar, Inc., creating 83 jobs with an investment of $619,090.
- Caldwell County: A $500,000 grant for the reuse of a 98,000-square-foot building in Lenoir, to be used by Brunswick Pharma, LLC, expected to create 71 jobs with a private investment of $6,700,000.
- Graham County: A $500,000 grant to support the reuse of a 571,869-square-foot building in Robbinsville, to be occupied by Eco King Solutions, LLC, projected to create 515 jobs with an investment of $80.5 million.
Program Objectives
The grants are part of the state’s Building Reuse Program, which focuses on revitalizing vacant buildings, expanding existing businesses, and enhancing rural health facilities. The initiative aims to bridge economic divides, foster sustainable employment opportunities, and bolster community development in rural areas facing persistent challenges.
Background Context
Governor Stein emphasized the importance of investing in rural communities, stating that such investments bring more opportunities to every corner of the state. The RIA, supported by the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division, reviews and approves funding requests from local communities. These grants are intended to strengthen the state’s rural economy by creating jobs, improving quality of life, and attracting businesses that support rural development.
Additional Information
For more details on the specific projects and the full list of grant recipients, please refer to the official announcement from the North Carolina Governor’s Office.
FAQ
What is the total amount of grants announced by Governor Josh Stein?
The total amount of grants announced is $9.8 million.
How many new jobs are expected to be created through these grants?
These grants are expected to generate 758 new jobs.
What is the anticipated total investment from public and private sources?
The grants are expected to attract over $179 million in public and private investments.
Which counties are receiving the grants?
The grants are allocated across various counties, including Bladen, Caldwell, and Graham counties, among others.
What is the purpose of the Building Reuse Program?
The Building Reuse Program focuses on revitalizing vacant buildings, expanding existing businesses, and enhancing rural health facilities to support economic development in rural areas.
Key Features of the Grants
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Grant Amount | $9.8 million |
| Number of New Jobs Created | 758 |
| Expected Total Investment | Over $179 million |
| Number of Counties Receiving Grants | Multiple counties, including Bladen, Caldwell, and Graham |
| Program Focus | Revitalizing vacant buildings, expanding existing businesses, enhancing rural health facilities |
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Author: Construction NC News
The NORTH CAROLINA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionncnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in North Carolina and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas and the North Carolina Home Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Womble Bond Dickinson LLP. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
