The Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) is a performance-based, discretionary incentive program that provides cash grants directly to a company, when the company creates jobs and invests in the state.  Grants are awarded only in competitive recruitment or retention situations.  JDIG grants hold companies to strict performance targets, but the grants can significantly help offset the cost of locating or expanding a facility in the state.

Grant payments are paid annually over time, for terms of up to 12 years, following a yearly, rigorous performance review conducted by the Departments of Commerce and Revenue.

 JDIG awards are calculated by weighing a number of factors, including:

  • The location of the project
  • The county tier designation - more on the state's economic tier system can be reviewed here.
  • The number of net new jobs created in North Carolina
  • The wages of the jobs, compared to the given county average wage
  • The level of investment made in the state
  • The company's industry sector, and that industry's alignment with the state’s targeted industry sectors.

JDIG grant payments are determined using a formula that takes into consideration the new taxes generated by the new jobs that are created.  A percentage of those newly generated funds are reimbursed to the awarded company, for the limited term of the grant and as long as the company meets its performance target.

JDIG | Additional Reference Materials

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  • For companies that create 1,750 jobs and invest $500 million in North Carolina, their project is categorized as a High-Yield Project (HYP), alowing a JDIG grant reimbursing up to 90% of the new personal income withholdings, for a period up to 20 years.
  • A JDIG Transitional Project allows, at the date of award, for a company to define a second phase of its project, containing higher job creation and investment targets than initally defined for phase 1 of the grant.  If the company triggers its second phase option, the Transitional JDIG can then take on Transformative Project properties.
  • A JDIG Transformative Project award, for a company that creates 3,000 jobs and invests $1 billion in the state, can provide reimbursements up to 90% of the new personal income withholding for a period of up to 30 years.

This page was last modified on 05/10/2023