“Economic growth and job development are critically important to North Carolina’s future and the next governor must be ready to act on day one,” he said in a press release. ”Every one of the major candidates for governor has said at one time or another during this campaign that small business is the key to our economy, and yet we have heard nothing from my opponents but vague promises and empty rhetoric. No one has offered anything other than business as usual. ”

Read Orr’s Full Plan

He calls his plan Vision 20/20, describing it as ”a long-term job growth strategy that uses the billions in targeted incentives that North Carolina would have given to a very few selected companies over the next several years.” The plan includes: 

• A comprehensive plan to expand small business start-up and development resources across the state;
• A $400-500 million per year  infusion of capital for small businesses through existing loan and  investment programs and new sources to make an immediate impact on job growth;
• A regional development plan that employs North Carolina universities, community colleges, and small business development resources to provide growth opportunities in all regions of the state;
• A $150-200 million per year investment in healthcare education to head off an emerging crisis in healthcare provider shortages and provide the sound healthcare foundation needed for continued economic growth;
• A $130-200 million per year increase in the North Carolina Community College system to invest in the futures of
  North Carolina’s workers.