When communities talk about economic development, the conversation often focuses on recruiting new companies, building industrial parks, widening roads, or offering incentives to businesses.
Those things matter.
But there is another piece of economic development that is sometimes overlooked: having a workforce with the skills employers need.
That is where community colleges become critically important.
In Brunswick County, Brunswick Community College (BCC) provides a good example of how a community college can serve as much more than a place where students earn degrees. It is part of the county’s workforce infrastructure, a resource for existing businesses, a partner for entrepreneurs and a tool for attracting new investment.
I was pleased to speak with Dr. Gene Smith, President of BCC, about the college, the programs and services it provides and get his take on what the future of programming in the future looks like.
You can view this video on our YouTube channel.
Building the Workforce Businesses Need
When companies decide where to locate or expand, finding qualified employees is paramount. Brunswick Community College addresses this need directly by offering workforce-development pathways in high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, welding, HVAC, plumbing, construction, and culinary arts—many of which can be completed in six months or less.
The Brunswick Guarantee: Investing in Local Talent
A key initiative connecting education with workforce needs is the Brunswick Guarantee. Eligible Brunswick County high school and GED graduates with at least a 2.3 GPA can pursue a certificate, diploma, or degree at BCC with in-state tuition, fees, and books covered up to $750 after financial aid.
Brunswick Guarantee Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis as funds are available. Students must complete a FAFSA and a Scholarship application each year to renew for the following Fall semester.
This program acts as an investment in keeping local talent connected to the local economy, creating a powerful cycle: Local student → local education → local credential → local job → local economic activity.
Career and College Promise
The Career and College Promise (CCP) program provides seamless dual enrollment educational opportunities tuition-free for eligible North Carolina high school students. As part of CCP, students can accelerate the completion of college certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees that lead to college transfer or provide entry-level job skills. It is possible through this program to graduate from High School with a full Associates Degree from BCC. The program is available to public, private, and homeschooled students.
Additionally, BCC has a number of articulation agreements with NC-based four year colleges for admission to these schools. Brunswick Community College’s articulation agreements with neighboring universities help students to transfer seamlessly to North Carolina universities and beyond. Complete your first 2 years of college at BCC and be guaranteed admissions to over 16 UNC Universities and participating partners.
Click on the document to learn which colleges and the various requirements that need to be met.
Training Existing Workers Is Economic Development, Too
Most economic growth comes from existing local businesses. BCC’s Customized Training program collaborates directly with companies to deliver targeted instruction in technical skills, leadership, and Lean manufacturing to support job growth, technology investment, and productivity enhancement. BCC also partners with the Cape Fear Manufacturing Partnership to ensure training aligns directly with local industry needs.
Community Colleges Also Help Small Businesses
BCC’s Small Business Center supports local entrepreneurs through free one-on-one business counseling, seminars, and networking. Along with its Business & Industry Incubator, BCC fosters ground-level economic development by helping residents launch and scale companies locally.
Preparing for Growth Instead of Reacting to It
Rapid population growth creates increased demand for skilled workers in construction, healthcare, trades, and services. BCC’s 2023–2028 strategic plan directly aligns its academic and workforce programs with regional business attraction and community growth needs.
Community colleges sit directly at the center of economic development by providing accessible, localized, and career-focused training tailored to business demands.
Investing in a community college is an investment in human capital—the skilled tradespeople, nurses, technicians, and entrepreneurs who sustain and grow the local economy every day.
Looking Beyond the Classroom
Brunswick Community College is far more than a school; it is a vital community economic-development asset that connects education, workforce skills, and local business growth.