Grow Your Business in the High Country
Access educated talent, outdoor industry expertise, and a community that values both entrepreneurship and quality of life.
Site Selection Assistance
Our team helps businesses find the right location in Watauga County — from available commercial sites to shovel-ready development parcels.
Find Your Next Location
We offer confidential site selection assistance, Opportunity Zone maps, infrastructure assessments, and connections to commercial real estate professionals.
Workforce & Talent Pipeline
Appalachian State University produces 4,000+ graduates annually, feeding a skilled, educated workforce into the local economy.
App State Partnership
20,000+ students across programs in technology, business, education, and sustainable development. Internship and co-op programs connect students directly with local businesses.
STABLE Workplaces
A regional training program helping employers create stable, supportive workplaces that attract and retain talent. Access to training resources and workforce development tools.
Remote Worker Appeal
High-speed broadband, co-working spaces, and an unbeatable quality of life make Watauga County ideal for remote workers and distributed teams.
Incentives & Business Support
Watauga County and the State of North Carolina offer a range of incentives to help businesses start, relocate, and expand.
County & State Incentives
- North Carolina Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG)
- One North Carolina Fund grants
- Opportunity Zone tax benefits
- County property tax incentives for qualifying businesses
- Infrastructure development assistance
Small Business Resources
- Small Business Center at Caldwell Community College
- SCORE mentoring (free business mentors)
- Entrepreneurship programs through App State
- Boone Area Chamber of Commerce resources
- Local networking events and business mixers
Outdoor Industry & Recreation
Watauga County is a natural hub for outdoor brands, gear companies, and recreation-focused businesses with direct access to trails, rivers, and ski resorts.
Built-In Testing Ground
Develop and test outdoor products year-round with access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain, ski slopes, rivers, and 100+ miles of trails.
Outdoor-Fluent Workforce
App State's Recreation Management and Sustainable Technology programs produce graduates who understand outdoor industry from manufacturing to marketing.
Growing Sector
North Carolina's outdoor recreation economy generates $28B+ annually. Watauga County sits at the center of the High Country outdoor corridor.
Technology & Remote Work
High-speed broadband, an educated workforce from App State, and a quality of life that attracts top talent make Watauga County a prime destination for tech companies and remote workers.
Broadband Infrastructure
SkyLine/SkyBest fiber network provides gigabit-capable internet across the county. Charter/Spectrum offers additional coverage in town limits.
Tech Talent Pipeline
App State's Computer Science, Data Science, and Information Systems programs graduate 500+ students annually. The university also operates a cybersecurity research center.
Remote Work Appeal
Co-working spaces, low cost of living relative to tech hubs, and unmatched outdoor lifestyle attract remote workers relocating from Charlotte, Raleigh, and beyond.
Arts & Craft Manufacturing
Deep Appalachian craft heritage meets contemporary creativity. Watauga County supports a thriving community of artisans, makers, and creative manufacturing businesses.
Craft Heritage
Generations of Appalachian craft tradition provide a skilled maker workforce experienced in woodworking, textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and specialty food production.
Creative Economy
Downtown Boone and surrounding communities support galleries, studios, and maker spaces. App State's art programs add emerging talent each year.
Manufacturing Support
Access to small-batch manufacturing facilities, the Caldwell Community College small business center, and regional supply chains for materials and distribution.
Health & Wellness
Clean mountain air, an active outdoor lifestyle, and growing healthcare infrastructure create an ideal environment for wellness-focused businesses and health services.
Healthcare Infrastructure
Watauga Medical Center provides acute care services. App State's Beaver College of Health Sciences trains the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Wellness Lifestyle
95% air quality rating, four-season outdoor recreation, and a community culture focused on health and wellness attract both providers and health-conscious residents.
Growing Demand
An aging population, university health services needs, and tourism-driven wellness spending create a growing market for healthcare and wellness businesses.
Ready to Explore Business Opportunities?
Our economic development team is here to help. Let's discuss how Watauga County can work for your business.