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When Backwoods Boutique held a ribbon cutting Thursday morning (June 22nd) for its new second location at 220 E. Main Street, it joined over a dozen new businesses that have opened in the last year.  

We reported earlier this month that Lincoln County was the 5th fastest growing county in North Carolina from 2021-2022.  Eastern Lincoln County has been growing at a record-setting pace for the last several years, and the growth is also happening in Lincolnton.  

Cliff Brumfield of LEDA (Lincoln Economic Development Association) told the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors last week that this has been Lincoln County's best year in attracting new industry and expansion of existing industries.  But the growth isn't limited to industry--nor to residential development.  Lincolnton and Lincoln County are also seeing a boom in new retail.

While LEDA is well-known for its efforts to attract new industries, the assistance provided to business startups is also important.  LEDA made a major change in 2013; Rhonda Hunter took over the Small Business/Entrepreneur program, addressing the individual needs of small businesses and entrepreneurs who  seeking to start up a new business or expand their existing small business. Rhonda’s 23 plus years of experience helped make the program a success.

The program has been an important part of the revitalization of downtown Lincolnton.  In 2019-2020 there were 8 new businesses, 2020-2021 there were 12  and in 2021-2022 there were an additional 12. This fiscal year July 2022-June 30th, 2023 has seen a total of 13 new businesses. 

The variety of new business ventures is as exciting as the numbers.  Lincolnton has attracted severa new restaurants, clothing stores, gift shops and more.  Almost every week, the Chamber of Commerce or LEDA holds a ribbon cutting for a new business venture.  On Thursday, Backwoods Boutique held a ribbon cutting for its new location at 220 East Main Street downtown.  Next Thursday evening (June 29th) at 6 PM, the Chamber will hold a ribbon cutting for Casa Azul at 421 N. Generals Blvd.  

With Bosch holding a groundbreaking this week for its major expansion, Timken , and other industries also expanding, Lincolnton & Lincoln County are seeing unprecedented growth in both industry and business.

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