North Carolina Community College System Empowers Workforce as State Reclaims #1 for Business Ranking
Published: July 10, 2025
RALEIGH, NC – As CNBC today once again ranked North Carolina the #1 state for business, the North Carolina Community College System stands proud as the workforce engine behind the recognition. This marks North Carolina’s third time in four years topping the national list—driven in large part by the state’s strength in workforce and economic development.
Workforce development was one of the most heavily weighted categories in CNBC’s ranking. North Carolina earned top-tier marks thanks to its deep labor pool, workforce training programs, and education pipeline. The state’s 58 community colleges—serving all 100 counties—deliver affordable, accessible pathways to high-demand careers, from short-term industry certifications to high-tech apprenticeships and customized corporate training.
“Behind this national recognition is a decades-deep commitment to developing talent,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System. “North Carolina’s community colleges are proud to serve as the state’s workforce readiness engine, preparing students for high-demand careers and responding quickly to employers’ needs.”
North Carolina has made national news in recent months for several major workforce development initiatives powered by the state’s community colleges. Highlights include customized training for over 14,500 workers tied to JetZero’s $4.7 billion aircraft facility; a 500-job Citigroup tech hub expansion in Charlotte supported by local talent pipelines; the launch of Propel NC, a new workforce funding model aligned to high-wage, high-demand careers; and more than $17 billion in new capital investment statewide—each accompanied by rapid workforce solutions delivered by community colleges.
“The North Carolina Community College System is proud to support the people and businesses that make this state “America’s Top State for Business”. For nearly 70 years, the System has helped drive economic growth through customized workforce training, Registered Apprenticeship programs, and a statewide network of Small Business Centers. “It’s a great time to be a North Carolinian,” said John Loyack, Vice President for Economic Development at the NC Community College System. “We’re here to make sure North Carolinians have the skills and support they need to thrive.”
Through programs like NCEdge Customized Training, ApprenticeshipNC, NC BioNetwork, and the Small Business Center Network, the Community College System partners directly with employers to meet their unique workforce needs—helping companies launch, grow, and thrive in every corner of the state.
“Our colleges don’t just react to economic growth—we drive it,” said Cox. “This ranking confirms what many of us already knew: investing in community colleges is investing in North Carolina’s future.”
To learn more about how the North Carolina Community College System supports workforce and economic development, visit www.nccommunitycolleges.edu.
Media Contact:
Nathan Hardin
Executive Director of Communications
North Carolina Community College System
hardinn@nccommunitycolleges.edu
704.787.2649
