NC Commerce Rural Planning Program

10/15/2026

Exciting things are happening in the Town of Newport, North Carolina! Rural Planning staff visited last week to present a program overview and discuss strategic economic development planning with town staff and council. Interested in planning services for your North Carolina community? The North Carolina Department of Commerce Rural Planning Program is here to help you plan for prosperity.

10/14/2026

The NC Commerce Rural Planning Program is seeking a Community Development Planner II for the state’s Southeast Prosperity Zone region. The position works with local governments in the region’s 12 counties to facilitate strategic economic development planning, provide technical assistance, conduct training and education, and share information about grants and resources. The application period closes at 11:59 p.m. on October 26, 2026. Learn more and apply: https://nc.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/NC_Careers/job/New-Hanover-County-NC/Community-Development-Planner-II---Southeast-Region_JR-126180

Agency Dept of Commerce Division Rural , Economic Development Job Classification Title Community Development Planner II (NS) Position Number 60081200 Grade NC17 About Us The North Carolina Department of Commerce is the state's lead agency for economic, community and workforce development. The depart...

10/13/2026

Great Trails State Day is Saturday, October 17!

Join us in celebrating North Carolina’s amazing network of trails, from mountain peaks to coastal paths, and the people who build, maintain, and love them. Whether you’re hiking, biking, paddling, or strolling your local greenway, take time to enjoy and share why you love the .

📅 Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 17
📸 Tag and use to show how you’re getting outside!

Learn more at greattrailsnc.com

10/13/2026

Small Towns, Big Impact: Celebrating National Women's Business Month in Rural NC!
October is National Women’s Business Month, a time to celebrate the incredible women entrepreneurs driving North Carolina's rural economies forward. From main street boutiques and family-owned restaurants to innovative agri-businesses and local manufacturing, many women-owned businesses serve as the heartbeat of rural communities. Join the celebration of their resilience, innovation, and leadership all month long!

10/09/2026

Business North Carolina’s Rural Economic Summit at East Carolina University highlighted the opportunities and challenges shaping rural economies across our state and particularly in Eastern North Carolina. From business growth and entrepreneurship to workforce development, infrastructure, and investment, building competitive rural economies takes strong partnerships, strategic investments, and the capacity to turn opportunities into results.

NC Commerce's Main Street and Rural Planning Center Director, Liz Parham, participated in a panel discussion on Housing, Main Streets, and Talent Retention; and Edenton's Main Street Director, Ches Chesson, participated in a panel discussion on Industrial Recruitment, Logistics, and Ports.

A stronger rural economy means a stronger North Carolina!
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10/08/2026

The The Town of Hot Springs, NC recently adopted an Economic Recovery Assessment that it completed through a NC Commerce Resource Recovery Team.

As the report highlights, "Hot Springs continues to stand out for its deeply collaborative approach to recovery, with local leaders, organizations, businesses, and residents working together in meaningful and sustained ways. The level of coordination and shared commitment demonstrated throughout the recovery process reflects a community that is not only responding to immediate needs, but also actively shaping a long-term vision for revitalization."

To learn more about the services available to communities through the Rural Planning Program, visit https://commerce.nc.gov/plan.

10/08/2026

National Bed & Breakfast Day was this past weekend, but these small businesses are worth celebrating year-round.

Across North Carolina, bed and breakfasts contribute to local economies while preserving historic properties, sharing community stories, and adding to the character that makes each place distinct.

Tag your favorite NC bed and breakfast below. Bonus points if you can identify the ones pictured here!

10/06/2026

Funding opportunity for organizations serving rural communities across North Carolina:

Resourceful Communities’ Creating New Economies Fund (CNEF) supports locally driven projects that strengthen rural communities through economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.

Grants typically range from $8,000–$12,000, with awards up to $15,000. Local organizations with budgets under $300,000 are eligible to apply.

Letters of Intent are due October 23, 2026.

Learn more and apply:

Resourceful Communities Small Grants About the Creating New Economies Fund CNEF is Resourceful Communities’ small grant program for grassroots, locally-driven projects that strengthen rural North Carolina communities by advancing the triple bottom line. Link to our CNEF LOI Application (opens on S...

10/05/2026

October is North Carolina Oyster Month, a time to shell-ebrate, learn about NC oysters, and dive into the North Carolina Oyster Trail! This year there’s a new way to make the most of your oyster adventures: the NC Oyster Trail Passport! 📖Learn more about how you can participate in Oyster Month and the Trail at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18K3bUs4sz/

10/01/2026

Happy International Coffee Day from the NC Commerce Rural Planning Program! Coffee shops are more than just a place for great coffee—they’re the living rooms of our small towns, where neighbors gather and community thrives.

What’s your favorite North Carolina coffee shop? Share some love for them in the comments!