Economic Development and Jobs

The Results

Treasurer Cowell created the $230 million Innovation Fund to support and invest in businesses with significant operations in the State while earning a solid rate of return for the pension fund. 

“North Carolina is a good investment,” stated Cowell. “As we look globally for opportunities to achieve a high rate of return for our pensioners, we need to be diligent in looking into the possibilities that are in our own backyard.” (WRAL Techwire, Nov. 2, 2011)

Cowell created the Accelerator, a component of the Innovation Fund that allocates up to $35 million designed to generate returns for the pension fund while supporting early-stage life sciences firms in North Carolina.

Advocated for North Carolina Cities, Towns, and Counties
Treasurer Cowell worked with local governments and the financial industry to help North Carolina municipalities effectively manage debt through the economic crisis and ensure the continuation of ongoing projects until debt markets stabilized.

In conjunction with the UNC School of Government, Cowell created a free, web-based County and Municipal Fiscal Analysis Tool to enable finance officers, public officials, and citizens to better understand the fiscal health of North Carolina’s cities, towns, and counties.

In 2010, Cowell led a strategic planning discussion with leaders from the finance and energy industries at the Emerging Issues Forum hosted by NC State University’s Institute of Emerging Issues. 

The discussion focused on ways state and local governments can better utilize financial tools designed to increase the use of renewable energy technologies.

Promoted Entrepreneurship in North Carolina
Treasurer Cowell advocated for entrepreneurship education and incentives.  Along with NC REAL, she conducted an entrepreneurship tour, visiting North Carolina colleges.