CNBC says NC No. 1 for business nationwide

July 11. CNBC has named North Carolina the Top State for Business in 2023 for the second year in a row.

“After another record-breaking year for economic development wins, I am more than proud to see the great state of North Carolina recognized as the best state in the nation for business yet again,” said NC Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “Last year’s performance includes nearly 29,000 new jobs and $19.3 billion in investments – the result of collaborative leadership and hard work.”

The CNBC study looks at 86 metrics in 10 categories of competitiveness. North Carolina ranked No. 1 in workforce and highly in the economy, technology and innovation, and access to capital categories. This is only the second time in the ranking’s history that a state has received the top spot two years in a row. Since 2017, North Carolina has placed in the top five of state rankings four times.

Gov. Roy Cooper joined CNBC’s Scott Cohn at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville for a live broadcast when the winner was revealed.

“When we invest in our people, we invest in the foundation of our success,” Cooper said. “Thanks to our well-trained, dedicated and diverse workforce, North Carolina has been named the top state for business for the second year in a row and it’s important for us to invest in the education and well-being of our people to continue our amazing success.”

To watch Gov. Cooper’s interview on CNBC, click here.