Choosing the wrong location is rarely a mistake that a company can quickly fix.
A site decision affects far more than where the business operates. It impacts payroll costs, logistics, hiring, customer access, and long-term expansion plans. Once lease agreements are signed and operations are in motion, even small miscalculations can become expensive over time.
For CFOs and executive leadership teams, site selection is about more than finding available space. It’s about making sure the numbers still work – not just today, but several years down the road.
That’s one reason more businesses considering North Carolina are looking beyond the state’s larger metro areas and taking a closer look at Brunswick County. Located along the southeastern coast, the county offers a strong mix of infrastructure, workforce access, and room for growth, often without the higher costs associated with larger markets.
Before making a final decision, here are ten questions every CFO should have on the table.
1. What will this location really cost to operate?
The cost of a site goes well beyond rent or land price.
A complete financial analysis should include taxes, labor expenses, utilities, insurance, freight costs, permitting fees, and ongoing overhead. Looking at one number in isolation can create a misleading picture.
North Carolina remains one of the most business-friendly states in the country from a tax standpoint, with a legislated path toward a 0% corporate income tax rate by 2029.
For companies planning five- to ten-year growth models, that kind of tax environment can make a meaningful difference.
2. Does this site allow room to grow?
A building that fits today’s needs may become a limitation much sooner than expected.
CFOs should look at what expansion would realistically require in two, three, or five years. If growth happens faster than projected, will there be adjacent land, additional space, or development options available?
Brunswick County offers available acreage and development-ready sites that often come at a more competitive price than similar properties in other urban sites.
That flexibility can prevent the need for another costly move later.
3. Is there enough workforce depth?
Even the best facility will underperform without the right people.
Workforce availability should be one of the first factors evaluated, not one of the last. That means looking at both current labor access and future talent sustainability.
The regional labor pool surrounding Brunswick County exceeds 200,000 workers, with strength across sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and professional services.
For growing companies, that kind of depth can help reduce hiring pressure and wage inflation.
4. What workforce development resources are nearby?
Recruiting talent is only part of the equation.
Training, upskilling, and retention often have a bigger long-term impact on costs.
The region is supported by universities, community colleges, and workforce training programs that can be tailored to employer needs. This helps companies reduce onboarding time and create a stronger talent pipeline over time.
For finance leaders, lower turnover and faster ramp-up periods directly support margin protection.
5. How efficient is the transportation network?
Logistics issues have a way of showing up month after month on the P&L.
Before committing to a site, companies should map their supply chain needs against the region’s transportation assets.
Brunswick County benefits from access to the Port of Wilmington, CSX rail service, major highways, and multiple airports for both commercial and private travel.
For manufacturers, distributors, and supply chain-driven businesses, this level of access can improve efficiency and reduce freight-related costs.
6. What incentives are available?
Incentive programs can materially improve project ROI, but they’re often more complex than they first appear.
State and local tax incentives, grants, and development support programs can significantly offset relocation costs if structured correctly.
One of the advantages of working with Brunswick BID is having a local team that understands what programs are available and how to help businesses find them.
Too often, companies leave value on the table simply because they don’t know what qualifies.
7. Will this help with recruiting and retention?
A location has to work for employees as well as the business.
Executive teams should consider whether people will actually want to live and work in the area. Commute times, housing costs, lifestyle amenities, and overall quality of life all influence retention.
Brunswick County offers coastal living, a lower cost of living than many larger markets, and access to recreation that appeals to today’s workforce.
Those factors can translate into lower turnover and stronger long-term employee satisfaction.
8. Is the region growing?
Growth trends matter.
A region that is expanding typically offers a stronger labor pipeline, increased demand, and more future development opportunities.
Brunswick County continues to rank among the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina and the United States.
For CFOs, that kind of momentum supports long-range planning and adds confidence to future investment assumptions.
9. Is the infrastructure ready today?
It’s important to verify that infrastructure needs are already in place before moving forward.
That includes power capacity, broadband access, water and wastewater service, and site readiness for development.
Brunswick County offers the utility infrastructure needed to support your large-scale operation, helping reduce costly delays once a project begins.
10. Who is helping guide the process?
A strong site is important, but so is having the right partner throughout the process.
Relocation decisions involve due diligence, permitting, workforce planning, infrastructure coordination, and long-term growth strategy.
Brunswick BID works directly with companies through each phase of the relocation and expansion process, helping leadership teams make informed decisions with confidence.
Now’s the time to bid on Brunswick
If your company is considering relocation or expansion, Brunswick County deserves a place on the shortlist.
The infrastructure is in place, the workforce is available, and the support network is ready to help.