North Carolina Invests $5.8M in 12 Rural Towns

A walk through downtown Edenton, North Carolina reveals what's possible when small towns get the support they need to thrive.

Governor Josh Stein recently toured the historic waterfront town to celebrate $5.8 million in grants distributed to 12 rural communities across the state. The investment from North Carolina's Rural Infrastructure Authority will create 277 jobs and unlock another $43 million in combined public and private funding.

Edenton itself is receiving $850,000 to upgrade lighting throughout its historic downtown. The project will make the town's charming streets safer and more inviting while preserving the character that makes it unique.

During his visit, Governor Stein stopped by Provalus, an IT outsourcing firm investing $6.48 million to open a Center of Excellence right on Main Street. The company is creating 61 jobs in a town where every new opportunity matters.

He also visited local gems like Kraken Coffeehouse and Surf, Wind and Fire, an outdoor lifestyle store benefiting from the town's Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies initiative. These businesses show how rural towns can build on their strengths, from outdoor recreation to historic preservation, to attract visitors and new residents.

The grants represent more than just dollars and cents. They're part of Governor Stein's vision that where you come from shouldn't limit how far you can go.

His administration has already delivered over $136 million to rural communities in 2025 through various programs. Major broadband projects are connecting 93,000 homes and businesses to high-speed internet by 2030, and his proposed budget includes funding for apprenticeships and work-based learning grants specifically tailored to rural areas.

The Ripple Effect

When downtowns like Edenton's come back to life, the benefits spread far beyond new streetlights. Local business owners gain confidence to expand, young people see reasons to stay or return home, and visitors discover hidden gems they never knew existed.

Assistant Secretary Reginald Speight noted how these investments help communities preserve their unique character while creating new economic pathways. Towns aren't choosing between honoring their past and building their future anymore.

Governor Stein has launched a Rural Listening Tour to hear directly from residents about what their communities need. The message is clear: when the state invests in small towns, those towns invest right back in North Carolina's future.