With 17 banks, Boone is the center of commerce for northwestern North Carolina—this means access to business capital and superb financial advice is plentiful.

Appalachian State University is the top employer in the county, but Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, the board of education, and Samaritan's Purse are also large employers. The county, town of Boone, several big box stores, the hospitality industry, and some manufacturers round out the economic base.

Internet wireless access is excellent, and the tax base is 31.3 cents—the third or fourth lowest in the state.

Because ASU graduates about 4,000 students per year in many different majors, employers have access to an educated, energetic work force. Many graduating students want to stay here due to quality of life, so they are motivated to find gainful employment. Part of the economic development plan for the area revolves around creating ways to keep students here by nurturing entrepreneurship through workshops, one on one counseling, and providing funding sources.

Several entrepreneur focused organizations offer wonderful resources. The Appalachian Enterprise Center and ASU's Center for Entrepreneurship are two of the best. Appalachian State University is home to the national winning team of the inaugural Juicy Ideas entrepreneur competition, a program created by AdvantageWest.

The Enterprise Center is an incubator housed in a building owned by the county—it offers space and resources to budding entrepreneurs onsite and virtually. The Center for Entrepreneurship is an academic program and more, helping students and faculty turn business ideas into reality. SBTDC and SCORE organizations also provide valuable resources countywide.

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute has a Watauga County branch. Their Small Business Center is part of a statewide network, offering free resources such as training and counseling to entrepreneurs and established businesses.

Chambers of Commerce in both Boone and Blowing Rock are active and involved. Boone's Chamber, nearly 1,000 members, is partnering with ASU to stimulate economic transformation by letting its members know about ASU business activities—this is helping bring the business people in the town and the university even closer together.

Created in the 1980s, Boone is fortunate to have a rare nonprofit called the Committee of 100. This organization is sourced by private companies in the High Country. Among other contributions to the area economy, the Committee raises private capital, partners with ASU and the county, and manages the Appalachian Enterprise Center.