Empowering Growth Small Business Grant

The Empowering Growth Small Business Grant is a funding initiative by M&F Bank aimed at supporting small businesses in North Carolina. This program reflects the bank’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the economic foundations of local communities. The grant provides targeted financial assistance to help businesses grow, create local impact, and sustain operations. The current application cycle is designated for small businesses operating in Mecklenburg County, with one $10,000 grant available for the Charlotte market. This cycle opened on September 1, 2025, and closes on September 30, 2025, at 9:30 AM. Previous cycles for other markets—including Durham, Winston-Salem, and Greensboro—have already closed. A future round is planned for Raleigh, scheduled for January 2026. To qualify, businesses must meet several eligibility criteria. Applicants must be current M&F Bank business customers with active accounts in good standing as of January 31, 2023. Eligible businesses must also have gross annual revenues of $750,000 or less, have been operational for 10 years or fewer as of January 31, 2025, employ 25 or fewer individuals (including the owner), and have an existing website. Nonprofits, churches, real estate investment firms, businesses with vendor ties to M&F Bank, and M&F Bank employees or their immediate family members are not eligible. Additionally, past recipients of this grant are not permitted to reapply. Only one application per business owner will be accepted, even if the applicant owns multiple businesses. Applicants must choose the single business they want considered for funding. The grant must be used in a manner that supports the business's operations, development, or sustainability. Applications are submitted through an online portal during the open application window. Businesses are encouraged to share how the grant will help them scale, innovate, or reach new milestones. M&F Bank aims to highlight the stories of winning businesses as examples of community-focused growth and resilience. This grant is part of a larger initiative by M&F Bank to boost small business development in underserved and historically excluded communities, providing financial opportunities that align with the bank’s mission to foster economic equity across North Carolina.

Submit early before the 9:30 AM cutoff. Double-check that your bank account is active and in good standing. Only one application per business owner.