Carolina Economic Development Strategy

Accelerate economic impact. Together, for our community.

The Carolina Economic Development Strategy is a partnership between the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Town of Chapel Hill to retain and attract innovation-oriented businesses, organizations and talent. The partnership’s goals are to:

• Accelerate downtown’s economic vibrancy.
• Broaden the University’s business, research and government partnerships.
• Provide greater career opportunities for students.

How can you participate?

• Startups: Establish your business in Chapel Hill.
• Established businesses: Create a presence in Chapel Hill.
• NGOs: Locate in Chapel Hill to make a community impact.
• Alumni: Connect with UNC startups and students.

Our initiatives

University and town leaders, students, faculty and local citizens work together on three core initiatives to make Chapel Hill a vibrant place where startups and innovation-oriented companies thrive.

Downtown beautification

This student-supported effort to beautify several blocks of our historic downtown streetscapes adjacent to campus includes enhanced landscaping, litter removal and other visual enhancements.

Innovation district

The University and Town are developing a master plan to create an innovation district in Chapel Hill. The district will be a vibrant place where startups and innovation-oriented companies establish roots and thrive.

Innovation hubs

Carolina launched the Innovate Carolina Junction in downtown Chapel Hill. The hub offers co-working space, a startup accelerator and entrepreneurial services for our campus and community.

Our approach

Strategy and team

The strategic partnership between UNC-Chapel Hill and the Town of Chapel Hill will revitalize downtown and further economic development.

Partners

The University and Town work with numerous partners to put campus and community resources to work for our local businesses and citizens.

Why Chapel Hill?

Carolina is exploring the launch of an innovation hub in downtown Chapel Hill. The hub will offer co-working space, a startup accelerator, and entrepreneurial services for our campus and community.

Economic Development News

As members of our Chapel Hill community make an economic impact, they’re also making headlines. Explore the latest news about key initiatives, programs and ventures that are expanding the economic capacity of our town and region.

Explore news