Business Edge is a series of layoff aversion strategies and activities designed to help North Carolina employers prevent or minimize job losses. Through Business Edge, workforce partners collaborate with business leaders to assess the needs of, and options for, "at-risk" firms, and to deliver services that address those needs.

Business Edge strategies and services are customized, quickly deployable and designed and coordinated with partners as necessary. These partners may include local Workforce Development Boards, the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES), Universities, Community Colleges, Economic Developers, Chambers of Commerce, Bankers and Certified Turnaround Professionals.

Business Edge is dependent on ongoing engagement, partnership and relationships with businesses in North Carolina. The first step in determining the appropriate strategies is to understand any “at-risk” indicators, which may be present alone or in combination. Below are some of the “at-risk” indicators North Carolina has identified to determine if a business is in need of assistance or intervention:

• Declining Sales
• High turnover
• Supply chain issues
• Safety compliance
• Industry/market trends
   

For more information about the Business Edge program, contact the N.C. Division of Workforce Solutions at:

Attn:  Business Edge Team
N.C. Division of Workforce Solutions
N.C. Department of Commerce
4316 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4316
Phone: (800) 562-6333 
Email: BusinessServices@ncworks.gov

SMARTER NC

"Smart Manufacturing Adoption to Realize Transformative Energy Reductions for North Carolina" (SMARTER NC) is a program that helps small-to-medium-sized manufacturers to offset some of the expenses of non-equipment costs to adopt and integrate relevant "SMART" technology.  To learn more, review this flyer and click the QR code or visit this online form to fill out a quick, initial application.

Hurricane Helene Business Edge Fund

The Hurricane Helene Business Edge Fund made $500,000 in grant funding available to local workforce boards most impacted by the storm to help western North Carolina communities retain jobs and businesses. Workforce development boards in the region may apply for funding and then may provide grants of up to $10,000 each to eligible businesses and community-based organizations. To apply, businesses should contact their local workforce development board or NCWorks Career Center.