Moore County Small Business Impact Grant Program

The Moore County Small Business Impact Grant Program is an initiative led by the Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) and funded by a $25,000 contribution from the Duke Energy Foundation. This program is designed to support the growth and sustainability of small businesses within Moore County, North Carolina. The program demonstrates a strong partnership between private and local entities aiming to reinforce the economic landscape by aiding businesses in making strategic, operational, and infrastructure improvements. The grant program offers reimbursement-based microgrants ranging from $500 to $5,000, in increments of $500. These funds are intended to help small businesses finance improvements that contribute to long-term operational stability, enhanced customer experience, and commercial property revitalization. Grant funds may be used for a wide variety of eligible expenses including interior improvements and fixtures, exterior renovations and storefront beautification, equipment purchases, technology upgrades, inventory for strategic business expansion, marketing and advertising efforts, website development and e-commerce platforms, health and safety upgrades, accessibility improvements, and workforce development initiatives. Notably, the program explicitly disallows use of funds for salaries, payroll, rent, mortgage, or utility costs. Eligibility for this program is restricted to retail, restaurant, and service-based businesses with a storefront located in Moore County. Applicants must be locally owned, independently operated, legally incorporated, and have 50 or fewer employees. Priority is given to businesses located in underserved areas of the county, including Robbins, Vass, Pinebluff, Cameron, Carthage, and Taylortown. Businesses that are minority-owned, women-owned, or veteran-owned may receive additional bonus points during the evaluation process, enhancing their competitiveness for funding. The application process is straightforward, requiring submission of a completed application form and supporting documentation such as a W-9, proof of location and incorporation, and at least two quotes for any expense exceeding $1,000. Optional supporting materials include photographs, contractor proposals, and mockups, depending on the nature of the proposed project. Applications can be submitted in person or by mail, with a firm deadline of 3:00 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026. Mailed applications must be postmarked by this date. The project period concludes on December 1, 2026, by which time all funded improvements must be completed. All submissions are reviewed by a selection committee, which evaluates applications based on five criteria: demonstrated business need, clarity and feasibility of the project plan, potential impact on business success, community benefit, and the quality and completeness of the application. Applications scoring at least 60 out of a possible 100 points on the base criteria are eligible for funding, and bonus points are awarded based on ownership status and geographic location within the county. Award announcements will be made on or before March 30, 2026, and funds must be disbursed by December 31, 2026. The program operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must first complete and pay for approved projects before submitting proof of payment for reimbursement. Interested businesses are encouraged to review the program guidelines and reach out to Darryn Burich at MCEDP for additional questions or support in the application process. The full application packet, including a Spanish-language version, is available online via the MCEDP website.

Focus on underserved communities and clearly explain project impact for higher scores. Ensure documentation is complete to meet minimum threshold.