Central Park is a 501(c)(3)not-for-profit organization helping to grow a new economy based on the sustainable use of our natural and cultural resources. Our strategy focuses on small business development complementary to heritage and cultural tourism, and also developing the regional infrastructure for increasing overnight tourism. According to studies conducted by Appalachian State University and the Belk College of Business at UNC Charlotte, the implementation of this strategy will result in a doubling of overnight visitation to the region from 20% to 40% by focusing on scenic natural areas, driving/sightseeing, nature walks, historic sites, and zoos/wildlife observation, and will create an additional 25,000 jobs above the benchmark forecast and an incremental positive net economic impact of $2.1 billion per year. STARworks Center for Creative Enterprise, a project of Central Park NC, provides a focused means of growing and developing creative enterprises and individuals for placement in the downtowns of our small communities and develops agricultural entrepreneurs to replace the farmers that are retiring. Job creation programming at STARworks is entrepreneurial in nature and designed to serve the creative, agricultural, and alternative energy sectors of our regional economy.