The Center for Strategic Economic Growth helps communities create vibrant economies by catalyzing the growth of high-growth entrepreneurs, which create most of the net new jobs in our economy.
Our center launched in 2012 with $1.6 million in funding from a five-year grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and funding from the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise.
We offer a range of business development services designed to help communities identify and support the growth of these companies. We help build necessary financial infrastructures, shape regional job creation and retention strategies, and conduct research and analysis to identify and leverage resources that promote sustainable economic growth.
Eastern North Carolina Initiative
Our center is focused initially on transforming an economically distressed 18-county region of North Carolina. It builds on the Kenan Institute’s long-standing collaboration with the region to create jobs and business opportunity.
Our team of business and economic development experts are conducting a year-long assessment to identify high-potential business, understand their needs and mobilize partners who can support their growth.
That assessment will inform our work over the four years that follow to advance the eastern region’s commercialization efforts, promote high-growth entrepreneurial ventures and develop a highly skilled regional workforce.