Incentives

State Assistance

The State of North Carolina allows for qualifying new and expanding companies to take advantage of tax credits for job creation, investment in new business property, and investment in real property. Assistance can be available which includes Article 3J Tax Credits, Community Development Block Grants, One North Carolina Fund grant assistance, the Job Development Investment Grant Program, as well as various training assistance programs which can utilize local, State, and Federal funds.  For complete information, contact the NC Department of Commerce.

Local Assistance

The Johnston County Board of Commissioners determines on a case-by-case basis the degree of assistance available for helping companies expand and/or locate to the area. Historically, Johnston County's participation has been structured toward the development and extension of public utilities (e.g., water, wastewater, natural gas, etc.). These public improvement projects benefit more than just a single user and encourage development through the upgrade and extension of these public services. It is not uncommon for hundreds of thousands of dollars to be committed by the Board for projects deemed appropriate that tend to compliment as well as diversify the County's industrial base.  In all cases, a creative approach to partnering with the industry is offered through the Johnston County Economic Development Office. 

Also, Johnston Community College can assist in developing and providing customized training to suit varied needs ranging from computer applications and supervisory skills, to biotechnology.  These customized training programs are highly subsidized by the State, and can be provided at little to no cost to a potential/existing industry.

The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, with support from the Town of Smithfield and the County of Johnston, has a revitalization grant program for the purpose of encouraging the renovation of older buildings, as well as promote infill growth with new commercial development in areas of blight of historic downtown Smithfield.