NC S340

Creates the Job Catalyst Fund within the Department of Commerce as a special, nonreverting account to provide grants to local governmental units for manufacturing projects that create jobs.

Establishes minimum job creation requirements of 250-600 full-time workers and minimum private investment requirements of $10-25 million depending on the development tier of the area.

Requires businesses to pay average weekly wages of 100-110% of county average and provide health insurance covering at least 50% of premiums for all full-time workers for a minimum of 10 years or the grant term plus 5 years.

Mandates local governmental units to match state funds at rates of 3-9% depending on development tier, with matches allowed as cash, fee waivers, in-kind services, or infrastructure donations.

Requires the Department of Commerce to publish annual reports detailing grant awards, project status, job creation, wage levels, and geographic distribution of funds.