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Welcome to Mount Holly, a special city nestled along the banks of the picturesque Catawba River. We are just 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte and yet a world away from the harried lifestyle of the big city.  Immerse yourself in a community that values our connection to nature and cherishes our serene surroundings.

learn more
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Welcome to Mount Holly, a special city nestled along the banks of the picturesque Catawba River. We are just 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte and yet a world away from the harried lifestyle of the big city.  Immerse yourself in a community that values our connection to nature and cherishes our serene surroundings.

learn more
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Welcome to Mount Holly, a special city nestled along the banks of the picturesque Catawba River. We are just 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte and yet a world away from the harried lifestyle of the big city.  Immerse yourself in a community that values our connection to nature and cherishes our serene surroundings.

learn more

Partners & Resources

We are focused on building and sustaining a business-friendly community that is welcoming, supportive, and appreciative of the businesses that make Mount Holly’s distinct quality of life possible.

Feeling Overwhelmed?  

Starting your own business is a big deal.  From this permit to that permit and this agency to that agency, the process can at times feel overwhelming.  Whether you are looking to expand your current commercial space or want to start fresh in a vacant storefront, Mount Holly Economic Development is here to help business owners navigate the zoning, building, health department, and fire code regulations.  Please feel to reach out to City staff or one of the organizations below to help you in your journey. 

Gaston College Small Business Center

Being one of 58 similar resources across the state of North Carolina, Gaston College’s Small Business Center (SBC) is a state-funded organization and is a part of the Small Business Center Network of North Carolina (SBCN).   It was initiated by the NC General Assembly to aid small businesses because they are the backbone of North Carolina’s economy.  Gaston College’s Small Business Center provides entrepreneurs with the information they need to start or expand a small business. Brad Rivers and his team do an outstanding job of providing seminars at no charge, resource centers, and one-on-one counseling for prospective and current small business owners.  

General Business Resources

There are many services to help move your new or existing business in the right direction. Our team works with the collaborative assistance of a wide variety of partners and allies to bring quality information, assistance, and guidance to businesses. Entrepreneurs are welcome to visit the resources listed that offer assistance to start-ups, and existing, or expanding businesses. The following are among the many additional groups that reflect the strength and diversity of Mount Holly’s growing economy:

Gaston Business Association –The GBA focuses on influencing the business environment, promoting business success, and enhancing workforce capacity in Gaston County.

Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce –The MACC represents towns and areas within Eastern Gaston County where economic opportunity abounds.  The Montcross Chamber is helping businesses and communities embrace the opportunities and meet the challenges as a key part of the rapidly growing Charlotte region.

Mount Holly Community Development Foundation –The MHCDF or The Foundation, as it is locally known, has been partnering with the City on various economic development projects since its inception in 2003.   Its mission is to advance the health, general well-being, and prosperity of Mount Holly.

Gaston County Environmental Health –Are you looking to open a business that is deemed to be in the food and lodging industry?  This may be a relaxing bed and breakfast or a mobile food vendor, operating under a special use permit.  It is important that you visit Gaston County Public Health’s website to ensure that you have all the permits and required documentation as part of the overall approval process.  

Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Commission –Whether your business is holding a one-time special event, in which alcohol is served, or you are interested in retail alcohol sales for a restaurant, grocer or convenience store or perhaps, you need a commercial permit for a brewery, distillery or wholesale operation, the NC ABC Commission has an informative website and Permit's Page that was created to guide you through the ABC permitting process.  The Mount Holly Police Department has a dedicated officer that will help assist you with additional State requirements.  Signature approvals from Mount Holly Planning & Development, the Mount Holly Fire Marshal and Gaston County Building Inspections are needed before local ABC approval can be obtained.  

Arts Mount Holly and Arts on the Greenway –Both organizations have been created in recent years to further the emerging art movement in Mount Holly.  The latter AOG serves as an incubator for emerging and established artists, offering studio and gallery space and the opportunity to support the arts community in the City.

U.S. Small Business Administration and the North Carolina District SBA Office –Both the national agency of the US SBA provides free business counseling, guaranteed SBA loans, home and business disaster loans, and federal government contracting assistance.  The Charlotte District SBA Office works with a number of local partners to counsel, mentor, and train small businesses, having a location only 15 miles from Downtown Mount Holly.