Section 08: Tech Infrastructure Metrics
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of a knowledge-based economy. The economy is replenished and reenergized by entrepreneurial activity
Businesses that originate in one location often look to grow and establish their roots in that same region. The U.S. Census Bureau tracks the number of companies entering and exiting the market, with the most recent data available for 2023.
North Carolina’s rate declined from 2.4% to 1.6%
Comparing entrance and exit rates provides a measure of business dynamism. High dynamism fosters greater competition, increases economic mobility, and drives innovation. Most job growth in an economy comes from new businesses. Dynamism rates were down in 2023 compared with the previous year due to a slowing of the overall economy. Despite the decline, the state moved up one spot in the rankings to #12 and remained higher than the national average.
Source: EL calculations based on US Census Bureau (2025)
Business Opening rate vs Closing rate, 2023
