SWOT Analysis

REGIONAL STRENGTHS

The Piedmont Triad leverages an incredible location for business and quality of life. With a metropolitan zone anchored by Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point comprising a population of over 662,669 in combination with strong road and railway infrastructure, yields the area as a top choice for manufacturing and logistics/distribution. Apart from our metropolitan zones, the region is also home to numerous natural amenities and recreation offerings. The Piedmont Triad is a catalyst for business success and future growth due to our unique climate of having a low cost of living, wealth of higher education institutions, skilled workforce, and supporting services for entrepreneurship. 

Strengths Foundation

  • Strong transportation/roadway infrastructure with I-40/I-85 and I-73/I-74 corridors, making for suitable commute times and Distribution/Logistics Hubs
  • Low Cost of Living – 4.8% Below National Average 
  • Remarkable Public and Private Higher Educational Institutions, including three renowned Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) 
  • Exceptional and Adaptive Community Colleges offerings 
  • Established Advanced Manufacturing cluster with recent development of mega sites 
  • Centrally located Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTIA) and Amtrak Rail Service
  • Availability of numerous outdoor recreation options and protected parks 
  • Access to Quality Healthcare Services 
  • Celebration of Arts and Cultural Heritage 
  • Continued Population Growth as the Piedmont Triad is a top destination
  • Presence of existing industrial sites primed and zoned for redevelopment 
  • Promotion of Equity 
  • Downtown and Main Street investment and resurgence  

Key Findings from our 2022 Regional CEDS Survey

    • 78% of CEDS public survey respondents selected Road and Highway System Infrastructure as a Regional Advantage
    • 72% of CEDS public survey respondents selected Job Commute Time as a Regional Advantage with the average commute being around 25-26 minutes
    • 65% of CEDS public survey respondents selected Water and Sewer Infrastructure as a Regional Advantage