By Nicky Smith
March 14, 2025
Greensboro has been recognized as the best city in North Carolina for small businesses, and as a candidate for Greensboro City Council, I believe we must build on this success. Our local businesses are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs, fostering innovation, and creating a sense of community that makes Greensboro a great place to call home.
A recent ranking by B2B Reviews placed Greensboro at the top of North Carolina’s best cities for small business. This recognition is no accident—it is the result of decades of effort by organizations such as the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, the Greensboro Merchants Association, and the Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship. These organizations work tirelessly to support new and existing businesses, fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive.
With a reasonable sales tax rate of 6.75%, strong employer firm percentages, and an affordable commercial real estate market averaging $15.66 per square foot, Greensboro is an attractive place for small business owners. However, there is still more we can do to ensure our city remains a leader in economic growth and opportunity.
As your representative on City Council, I will advocate for expanding incentives that make it easier for small businesses to start, grow, and succeed. Some key initiatives I will champion include:
Targeted Tax Incentives: Lowering the tax burden on small businesses, especially startups, will encourage more entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to market. Providing tax credits or reductions for businesses that create high-paying jobs will also incentivize sustainable economic growth.
Access to Capital: Many small businesses struggle with securing financing. I will support partnerships with local banks, credit unions, and investment groups to create accessible funding opportunities for entrepreneurs, particularly women- and minority-owned businesses.
Reducing Bureaucratic Barriers: Streamlining business permitting, reducing red tape, and ensuring a more user-friendly experience when dealing with city processes will help small businesses get up and running faster.
Commercial Space Revitalization Grants: Greensboro has affordable commercial real estate, but some areas need investment to become vibrant business hubs. I will advocate for grants and low-interest loans to help revitalize underutilized spaces, making them accessible to new and growing businesses.
Workforce Development Programs: Greensboro’s economy is only as strong as its workforce. Investing in job training programs, apprenticeships, and partnerships with local technical schools and universities will ensure our residents have the skills needed to fill high-paying jobs in growing industries.
Small businesses are not just economic drivers—they also contribute to the culture and vibrancy of our city. By supporting small businesses, we create a stronger, more resilient community where families can find good jobs, afford homes, and enjoy a high quality of life.
My vision for Greensboro is one where opportunity is abundant, small businesses are thriving, and our community continues to be a place people are proud to call home. If elected to City Council, I will be a steadfast advocate for policies that empower entrepreneurs, attract investment, and make Greensboro the best place in North Carolina to live, work, and grow a business.
Together, we can build on our success and create an even brighter future for Greensboro!
Join me in making Greensboro an even better place to live, work, and do business! Together, we can create a city that fosters innovation, supports job growth, and ensures a thriving future for future generations. Your support, vote, and voice will help drive this progress forward. Let’s build a brighter Greensboro—together!
– Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council, District 4
