Print
Government

For Local Tech Firm, County Approves $120K In Incentives

By Cece Nunn, posted Sep 20, 2021
Scott Satterfield, CEO of Wilmington Business Development, at a New Hanover County meeting Monday explains WBD's request to grant economic incentives to a local software firm. (Photo by Cece Nunn)
A software development firm in Wilmington is getting a boost from local coffers.

The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Monday morning to grant a performance-based incentive of $24,000 a year for five years, up to $120,000, to the tech company to double its workforce, which now stands at about 100 employees, officials said.

The firm, whose identity officials are keeping secret for now, plans to create at least 104 full-time jobs that have an average salary of $80,000.

Scott Satterfield, CEO of Wilmington Business Development, said the company has existed in New Hanover County for several years and is "a platform software developer."

WBD, the main economic development agency for Wilmington and New Hanover and Pender counties, made the request for the incentives to the county and the city.

Satterfield spoke during the county public hearing Monday, also saying of the company, "We are extremely excited about pursuing the fintech, financial technology sector. They have a great operation, excellent company, low turnover rates, and we are extremely excited about encouraging them to continue to grow here in Wilmington."

Satterfield said the firm, referred to as "Project Manager" in agenda documents, currently is confidential "for reasons related to incentive agreements with the state."

State incentives that could apply include the Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG), "a performance-based, discretionary incentive program that provides cash grants directly to new and expanding companies to help offset the cost of locating or expanding a facility in the state. The amount of the grant is based on a percentage of the personal income tax withholdings associated with the new jobs," according to the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

For projects located in a Tier 2 county like New Hanover,  "90% of the annual grant is paid to the company, and 10% is transferred to the Utility Account, a state program to fund infrastructure projects in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties," the EDPNC's website states.

But more local incentives are likely to come first. During its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Wilmington City Council will consider a grant to the company of $16,000 a year for five years, up to $80,000, for the firm's job expansion.

The county and city grants are subject each year to appropriation by elected officials and to meeting employment milestones.
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Tommytaylor ceo unitedway

How Philanthropy Fits Into Your Financial Plan

Tommy Taylor - United Way
Cfss headshots parker robert webversion 21422121214

The Latest Solar Scams and What You Can Do to Help Stop Them

Robert Parker - Cape Fear Solar Systems
2022052 75 142344351

Bridging Futures: The Case for Toll Funding in Wilmington’s Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Revamp

Natalie English - Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

Trending News

YMCA Eyes Growth With Plans For New, Expanded Facilities

Emma Dill - Apr 23, 2024

Burns, Redenbaugh Promoted At Coastal Horizons

Staff Reports - Apr 23, 2024

Cold Storage Developer Sets Near-port Facility Completion Date

Audrey Elsberry - Apr 24, 2024

Wilmington Financial Firm Transitions To Wells Fargo's Independent Brokerage Arm

Audrey Elsberry - Apr 24, 2024

Krug Joins Infinity Acupuncture

Staff Reports - Apr 23, 2024

In The Current Issue

MADE: Makers Of Important Papers

W.R. Rayson is a family-owned manufacturer and converter of disposable paper products used in the dental, medical laboratory and beauty indu...


Bootstrapping A Remote Option

Michelle Penczak, who lives in Pender County, built her own solution with Squared Away, her company that now employs over 400 virtual assist...


Funding A Food Oasis: Long-awaited Grocery Store Gains Momentum

With millions in committed funding from New Hanover County and the New Hanover Community Endowment, along with a land donation from the city...

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season