Building Up-fit Grant for Small Business Owners in North Carolina

The City of Raleigh’s Building Up-fit Grant is a local government initiative designed to stimulate economic development by incentivizing the renovation and reuse of underutilized or vacant commercial building interiors within Raleigh, North Carolina. Administered by the Housing and Community Development Department, the program specifically targets small business owners seeking to improve commercial properties to promote job creation or activate business operations in otherwise dormant spaces. The grant is structured to support the city’s broader goal of revitalizing commercial corridors and fostering a more vibrant local economy by reducing the financial burden of construction upgrades. This grant functions as a matching reimbursement program, covering up to 50 percent of eligible interior construction costs. Only costs related to internal property improvements are allowed; expenditures for exterior renovations are not reimbursable under this grant. The program is designed exclusively for properties located within Raleigh’s city limits and is not available to residential properties, franchises, or businesses located outside the municipal boundary. Businesses applying must complete a preliminary eligibility check by submitting a form, after which city staff will determine eligibility. If deemed eligible, an official application will be provided via email for completion and submission during one of the specified quarterly grant cycles. Applications are accepted during four fixed grant cycles each year. For the 2025–2026 program year, the first cycle opened on June 26, 2025, and closed on July 20, with award notifications scheduled for August 8. The second cycle opens on September 18 and closes October 12, 2025, with notifications by October 31. The third round opens on January 8 and closes on February 1, 2026, with decisions by February 20. The fourth and final round opens April 2 and closes April 26, 2026, with award announcements by May 15. This quarterly cadence ensures a recurring opportunity for small businesses to apply throughout the year. Grant award amounts are contingent on the size and cost of the project, with funding levels capped at 50 percent of qualifying expenses. Businesses located within officially designated Priority Areas for Economic Development are eligible for enhanced award amounts or terms, depending on location. A detailed eligibility map is available through the city’s GIS-based tool. Applicants are encouraged to consult the official Building Up-fit Grant brochure and FAQs to understand eligible cost types, match requirements, and application procedures in full. To be considered, interested applicants must follow a structured application process beginning with the online eligibility determination form. If qualified, they will receive the application and must submit it within the active cycle window. Applications submitted outside these dates will not be reviewed. Residential buildings, franchises, and businesses outside of Raleigh are automatically ineligible. The program is not intended to support exterior upgrades or non-commercial uses. For questions or assistance, the grant administrator is Carl Brooks II, Small Business Support Analyst at the City of Raleigh. He can be reached by email at Carl.BrooksII@raleighnc.gov or by phone at 919-996-6959. Additional resources and documents such as the Building Up-fit Grant FAQ and program brochure are available on the city's official website.

Applicants should read the program brochure and FAQ to ensure full eligibility and prepare appropriate documentation.