NC STEP
North Carolina Small Towns Economic Prosperity Program
Empowering communities throughout North Carolina to build sustainable economic futures through strategic planning, community engagement, and targeted development initiatives.
About NC STEP
The North Carolina Small Towns Economic Prosperity Program (NC STEP) is a comprehensive initiative designed to revitalize smaller communities across North Carolina. Created through a partnership between the North Carolina Rural Center and various state agencies, NC STEP helps small towns identify their unique economic assets, develop strategic plans for growth, and implement projects that create lasting prosperity.
Many of North Carolina's small towns face significant economic challenges, including declining populations, aging infrastructure, and limited economic opportunities. NC STEP was established to address these challenges by providing communities with the technical assistance, resources, and support they need to create vibrant, sustainable economies.
The program focuses on a community-driven approach, ensuring that local residents, business owners, and leaders are actively involved in shaping their economic future. Since its inception, NC STEP has worked with dozens of communities throughout the state, helping them attract new businesses, improve downtown areas, enhance tourism opportunities, and build on their existing strengths.
Program Impact
How NC STEP Works
Community Assessment
NC STEP works with local leaders to conduct a thorough evaluation of the community's economic strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges.
Vision Setting
Through facilitated workshops and public meetings, community members help define a shared vision for their economic future.
Strategic Planning
Based on the assessment and vision, NC STEP assists in developing a detailed roadmap with specific goals, strategies, and implementation timelines.
Project Implementation
The program helps communities prioritize and implement specific projects identified in their strategic plans, providing technical assistance as needed.
Resource Connection
NC STEP connects communities with state and federal funding opportunities, partnerships, and other resources to support their initiatives.
Progress Evaluation
The program helps communities establish benchmarks and evaluation methods to track progress and adjust strategies as needed.
Success Stories
Downtown Revitalization in Elizabeth City
Through NC STEP, Elizabeth City developed a comprehensive downtown revitalization plan that included faade improvements, streetscape enhancements, and business recruitment efforts. The city has since seen a 35% increase in downtown businesses and a significant rise in property values, while preserving its historic character.
Tourism Development in Wilkes County
Working with NC STEP, Wilkes County identified its natural beauty and cultural heritage as key economic assets. The community developed a tourism strategy highlighting outdoor recreation, craft heritage, and local agriculture. This led to the creation of new hiking trails, establishment of a craft corridor, and development of agritourism experiences that have created over 120 new jobs.
Manufacturing in Shelby
With NC STEP guidance, Shelby focused on rebuilding its manufacturing base through targeted workforce development. The city partnered with local community colleges to create training programs aligned with industry needs, resulting in three new manufacturing plants opening and the expansion of two existing facilities, creating over 300 skilled jobs.
Program Benefits
Economic Diversification
NC STEP helps communities move beyond reliance on single industries by identifying and developing multiple economic opportunities that build resilience and adaptability in the face of economic changes.
Community Engagement
The program emphasizes inclusive, participatory processes that ensure diverse community voices are heard and incorporated into economic development planning and implementation.
Asset-Based Development
NC STEP guides communities in identifying and leveraging existing assetssuch as historic buildings, natural landscapes, cultural traditions, and local expertiseas foundations for economic growth.
Capacity Building
The program provides training and resources to local leaders and organizations, strengthening their ability to plan, fund, manage, and sustain economic development initiatives long-term.
Regionally Coordinated Growth
NC STEP encourages collaboration among neighboring communities, fostering regional approaches to economic challenges and maximizing the impact of development efforts.
Sustainable Development
The program promotes development practices that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and social equity, ensuring benefits are distributed equitably across the community.
How Your Community Can Participate
Communities interested in participating in NC STEP should meet the following criteria:
- Population: Must have a population of 10,000 or fewer
- Commitment: Must demonstrate strong local government and community support
- Capacity: Must have the basic administrative capacity to support program participation
- Need: Must demonstrate significant economic challenges or opportunities
The application process includes:
- Letter of Intent: A brief statement from local government expressing interest in the program
- Government Resolution: A formal resolution of support from the local governing board
- Community Support Letters: Letters from key community stakeholders, businesses, and organizations
- Information Form: A completed form providing basic community and economic information
- Site Visit: If invited, NC STEP representatives will visit the community to meet with local leaders
Applications are typically reviewed on a biannual basis, with selected communities beginning program participation at the start of each calendar quarter. For the most current application information and deadlines, communities should contact the NC Rural Center directly.
Available Resources
Technical Assistance
NC STEP provides expert consultants in areas such as strategic planning, downtown development, tourism, business recruitment, marketing, and historic preservation.
Grant Access
The program helps communities identify and apply for state, federal, and private funding opportunities to support local economic development initiatives.
Training Programs
NC STEP offers workshops and webinars on topics such as downtown revitalization, community engagement, business incubation, and economic marketing.
Networking Opportunities
Participants connect with leaders from other NC STEP communities, creating valuable peer learning networks and collaborative opportunities.
Data and Analysis
The program provides communities with customized economic data, market analysis, and trend information to support decision-making.
Implementation Support
NC STEP advisors provide ongoing guidance during the implementation phase, helping communities overcome challenges and achieve their economic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What costs are associated with NC STEP participation?
There is no direct cost for communities to participate in NC STEP. The program is funded through state appropriations and private foundations, though communities may need to allocate staff time and cover certain project-related expenses.
How long does the NC STEP process typically take?
The initial strategic planning process typically takes 12-18 months, followed by implementation of economic development initiatives that may span several years. Communities remain connected to NC STEP during the implementation phase.
Can a community participate in the program more than once?
Yes, many communities participate in multiple phases of NC STEP as they move from initial planning to implementation of specific initiatives and eventually to broader economic diversification strategies.
Does NC STEP provide direct funding to communities?
While NC STEP does not typically provide direct grants to communities, it helps participants access state and federal funding sources, and may provide small seed grants for specific planning activities.
Who from the community needs to be involved?
Successful NC STEP participation requires broad community engagement, including elected officials, business owners, community organizations, youth, and residents representing diverse perspectives and neighborhoods.
Contact NC STEP
For more information about NC STEP or to begin the application process, please contact the North Carolina Rural Center:
Address:
4020 Crossover Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: (919) 250-4314
Email: ncstep@ncruralcenter.org
Website: www.ncruralcenter.org
Apply for NC STEP Download Application Guidelines
NC Small Towns Economic Prosperity Program (NC STEP) and Reference File Download Link
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