Boating industry businesses in North Carolina provide over 30,000 jobs across the state and are responsible for $500 million in sales of boats, motors, and boating equipment annually.

The SBTDC's Boating Industry Services (BIS) is a statewide, special market development service supporting business and employment growth for the state’s marinas, boatyards, boat dealers, boat builders, marine construction firms, and product/service providers.

Supporting existing marine businesses
BIS provides a range of business services and one-on-one counseling including management and operations, marketing and sales, business expansion, personnel, and regulatory.

Creating new jobs and new businesses
BIS, working in conjunction with statewide economic development agencies, serves as a confidential resource for potential new-to-the-state boating industry business owners. This effort is promoted through trade shows, media ads and articles, monthly newsletters, and our website.

Focusing on boating industry resources and marketing
The www.NCwaterways.com website serves as the program's internal and external database of North Carolina businesses, identifying over 3,500 companies by service and/or products provided in the marine sector. It offers business users access to information on education and training, business and regulatory services, and the boating industry job market.