North Carolina Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides financial assistance to farmers in Orange County, North Carolina, to support innovative agricultural projects that enhance income and market access.

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is offering its Economic Mobility Grant Program, aligning with its mission to foster a strong economic foundation for residents. The foundation is committed to funding organizations that focus on key areas designed to promote economic stability and advancement within Guilford County. This grant program is a direct reflection of the foundation's strategic priority to advance economic mobility. The target beneficiaries of this program are residents of Guilford County who require support to become economically mobile. The impact goals are to support organizations whose work encompasses workforce development and education, small business and entrepreneurship, and access to workforce housing. By investing in these areas, the foundation aims to create a more equitable and opportunity-rich environment for individuals and families in the community. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. Priority is given to grant proposals that concentrate on long-term strategies to advance and sustain economic mobility in Guilford County. This emphasizes a commitment to lasting change rather than short-term fixes. While the description doesn't explicitly state expected outcomes and measurable results in a quantitative sense, the focus on "long-term strategies to advance and sustain economic mobility" implies a desire for measurable improvements in employment rates, business creation, and access to affordable housing as indirect outcomes. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on the belief that a strong economic foundation is crucial for residents to achieve economic mobility. By funding organizations engaged in workforce development, supporting small businesses, and ensuring access to housing, the foundation seeks to address systemic barriers to economic progress. The consideration of board and staff diversity and total operating budget in the grantmaking process also highlights a commitment to equity and inclusivity in achieving its goals, demonstrating a holistic approach to community development.

This program provides financial support to individual artists and small collectives in North Carolina to enhance their artistic skills and business operations, enabling them to reach new audiences.

The City of Charlotte's Corridors of Opportunity (COO) program aims to foster thriving communities, build lasting legacies, and promote equitable growth across six key corridors. These corridors serve as vital links that connect people to essential resources and businesses. Key Partnerships The city collaborates with Business District Organizations (BDOs) to enhance the vitality of neighborhood commercial districts. The partnership involves building organizational capacity and providing business-support services, which are essential for fostering vibrant, healthy business environments. Funding Opportunity The program is leveraging a one-time funding opportunity through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Charlotte City Council has approved $1M to support this initiative. This funding will assist both established and emerging BDOs in enhancing their services and organizational capabilities. Application Period Open Date: Monday, May 6 Close Date: Friday, June 14, at 5 p.m. How It Works Objective: Address the most immediate needs of BDOs within the COO through capacity building and tailored technical assistance. Funding Use: The grant supports organizational development, asset inventories, marketing communications, and development support services. Requirements: All applying organizations must complete strategic work and inventories or provide existing documentation. Eligibility Organizations: Must be non-profit with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) designation. Location: Must serve a business district within the COO. Representation: Must represent at least 10 businesses within the district. Registration: Active SAM.gov UEI or have a fiduciary/fiscal sponsor with an UEI. Application Process Access: Use the provided link to create a login and apply. Documentation: Include a Work Sheet template indicating the desired services for funding consideration. Submission: Ensure all documents are read and understood before submitting. Additional Information Webinar: A Q&A webinar will be held on May 16 at 11 am. Registration is required to receive the virtual meeting link. Contact: Questions can be directed to [email protected].

The Arts in Bloom Educator Grant, funded by the Union County Community Arts Council in North Carolina, offers less than $1000 to public and charter school teachers in Union County for the development of new, innovative arts education projects for students, with applications evaluated on creativity, artistic need, student engagement, cultural appreciation, and budget clarity.

The Innes Street Incentive Grant, offered by the City of Salisbury, aims to enhance building facades, landscapes, driveways, and parking lots within the Innes Street Improvement District. This program is a matching grant, with the City providing up to $5,000 per project on a 50/50 basis. The grant seeks to align with the City's mission of urban beautification and economic development by incentivizing property and business owners to invest in their properties, thereby improving the overall appearance and pedestrian-friendly environment of the district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are property and business owners within the Innes Street Improvement District. The impact goals include fostering a more aesthetically pleasing and vibrant commercial area, attracting more visitors and businesses, and ultimately boosting local economic activity. By supporting a range of projects from minor repairs to substantial rehabilitations and the installation of new pedestrian amenities, the grant targets a broad spectrum of improvements that collectively enhance the district's appeal. The grant prioritizes several key areas, including the introduction of new pedestrian amenities like outdoor seating, planters, awnings, and lighting, as well as the installation of new façade elements and the restoration of storefronts. Other focuses include painting murals, repairing and replacing windows and doors, repointing brick, and implementing green building improvements such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. Projects are expected to result in visible improvements to properties, increased pedestrian traffic, and a more positive perception of the Innes Street area. Measurable results could include the number of completed projects, the total investment leveraged through matching funds, and qualitative assessments of improved aesthetics and public engagement. The City of Salisbury's strategic priorities for this grant center on urban revitalization and creating a more attractive and sustainable downtown area. The theory of change is that by offering financial incentives for property enhancements, the city can stimulate private investment, which in turn leads to a cumulative positive effect on the district's economic vitality and quality of life for residents and visitors. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster community pride and encourage a vibrant local economy through targeted improvements that enhance both functionality and visual appeal.

This program provides funding to organizations that support innovative initiatives aimed at empowering under-served entrepreneurs in North Carolina, particularly those in rural areas, women, and minorities.

This funding opportunity supports research projects that promote innovation and development in North Carolina's agricultural economy, targeting universities, non-profits, and businesses involved in agriculture.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state, regional, and local economic development organizations to create full-time jobs in economically distressed areas of North Carolina.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Mecklenburg County that provide essential services to residents, focusing on community connectivity, economic opportunities, health, and safety.

The City of Salisbury in North Carolina is inviting eligible non-profit organizations to apply for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Service, offering $1,000 to $10,000 to support work benefiting low-moderate income individuals and families in Salisbury, with applications due by October 14, 2024.

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) aims to provide financial assistance for major tourism capital projects. Its core mission is to increase patronage of lodging properties and further economic development within Buncombe County. The fund aligns with the broader goal of fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the region as a desirable destination. The target beneficiaries of the TPDF are non-profit organizations and government entities that develop major tourism capital projects. The impact goals are to create jobs, foster entrepreneurial opportunities, provide amenities for both residents and visitors, and ultimately increase overnight lodging stays in Buncombe County. Projects that directly increase lodging stays or support larger initiatives to do so are evaluated equally. The TPDF prioritizes capital investments, focusing on "brick and mortar" projects. Operational expenses are not considered for funding, though design fees already expended can count towards the required 1-to-1 funding match. Projects must be principally located in Buncombe County, demonstrate the ability to increase lodging patronage, and not solely benefit a single lodging owner or property. Applicants must also have legal control of the property and show how they will achieve a minimum 1-to-1 funding match. Expected outcomes include enhanced financial stability for requesting organizations, successful and sustainable project operations, and effective sales and marketing plans that draw visitation. The TPDF also seeks projects that differentiate the destination through brand alignment, uniqueness, and innovation, and those that promote the local creative sector. Measurable results are assessed by the ratio of overnight lodging generated to funding requested, and the project's ability to create new and incremental room nights, not just pull from existing visitors. Furthermore, the TPDF aligns with BCTDA’s strategic imperatives to deliver balanced recovery and sustainable growth by distributing visitors geographically and seasonally. Projects that encourage safe and responsible travel, and those that support engagement with and appeal to more diverse audiences, receive greater consideration. The overarching theory of change is that strategic capital investments in tourism infrastructure will lead to increased visitor numbers, economic benefits, and a more vibrant community, all while ensuring sustainable and equitable development.

This funding opportunity provides $25,000 to eligible nonprofit organizations in North Carolina to support small businesses with grants of up to $5,000 for growth investments that enhance community vitality and economic resilience.

Mountain BizWorks in North Carolina is offering 20 micro-grants of $2,500 each to startups and emerging businesses owned by historically underrepresented groups, aiming to support their growth and contribution to the local community.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in North Carolina that create innovative programs to strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems and promote economic growth.

The Alexander County Economic Development Corporation is offering grants of $1,000 to $5,000, funded by the Duke Energy Foundation, to businesses in Alexander County, North Carolina, for projects aimed at enhancing physical spaces, e-commerce, service delivery, equipment purchase, ADA accessibility, and public health compliance, with a special focus on fostering entrepreneurship and expanding childcare centers.

This program recognizes and rewards individuals, organizations, and students in Raleigh for their outstanding efforts in environmental stewardship, sustainability, and climate action.

The Artist Support Grant, administered by the Stokes County Arts Council, directly supports individual artists in North Carolina for professional and artistic development. This includes enhancing their skills, improving their ability to create work, and bolstering their business operations to reach wider audiences. The grant's mission aligns with fostering artistic growth and making art accessible, providing vital resources to artists across various disciplines within specific regions of the state. The primary target beneficiaries are individual visual, performing, literary, and interdisciplinary artists, encompassing both emerging and established talents. The program also extends eligibility to small, unincorporated groups of collaborating artists, provided all members meet residency and age requirements. The impact goal is to cultivate a vibrant artistic community by empowering artists to develop their craft and expand their professional reach, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of North Carolina. The grant prioritizes artists who demonstrate a significant commitment to their artistic practice. Eligibility criteria emphasize North Carolina residency within the specific applying region for at least one year, and applicants must be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This focus ensures that the support directly benefits local artists who are dedicated to their work and contribute to their regional artistic ecosystems. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic skills, increased production of high-quality artwork, and improved business acumen among artists, leading to greater audience engagement and career sustainability. Measurable results could include the number of artists served, the amount of funding distributed, the types of artistic projects undertaken, and the increased visibility of local artists' work. The program’s strategic priority is to strengthen the individual artist's capacity, operating on the theory of change that by investing directly in artists' development, there will be a ripple effect that elevates the entire artistic community and cultural economy of the state. The grant provides funding ranging from $500 to $1,500, with an application deadline of September 13, 2024. This financial support is crucial for artists to pursue professional development opportunities, acquire necessary materials, or invest in marketing and distribution of their work. The regional structure, including specific counties in Regions 2, 10, 14, and 16, ensures that support is distributed geographically, fostering artistic talent in various communities across North Carolina.

The Municipal Service District Grant Program, offered by the City of Salisbury, provides financial assistance to commercial property owners and building tenants. This initiative aims to enhance building facades, landscapes, and parking lots, as well as facilitate the installation of new pedestrian elements within the Downtown Municipal Service District. The program's core mission aligns with urban revitalization and fostering a more attractive and pedestrian-friendly environment, contributing to the overall economic vitality and aesthetic appeal of the city center. The primary beneficiaries of this program are commercial property owners and business tenants operating within the Downtown Municipal Service District. The impact goals are to encourage significant improvements ranging from minor repairs and repainting to substantial rehabilitation projects. This includes the introduction of new pedestrian amenities, restoration of storefronts, and overall beautification, ultimately leading to an improved urban experience for residents and visitors alike. The program prioritizes a diverse range of projects designed to significantly enhance the public and commercial spaces. Key focus areas include the installation of new pedestrian amenities such as outdoor seating, planters, awnings, café fences, lighting, bicycle racks, and art. It also supports the installation of new façade elements (signage, lighting, awnings), painting of murals, ghost sign restoration, storefront rehabilitation, removal of false façades, and repairs to windows, doors, and architectural details. Furthermore, the program encourages green building improvements like solar panels, EV charging stations, green roofs, and white roofs, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a noticeable increase in the aesthetic quality and functionality of the downtown area. The 50/50 matching grant, with a maximum City participation of $5,000, ensures a shared investment and commitment to these enhancements. Success will be measured by the number and scope of completed projects, the visible improvements in building facades and public spaces, and the increased presence of pedestrian-friendly amenities, all contributing to a more vibrant and appealing urban core. The City of Salisbury's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, center on enhancing the municipal service district through tangible improvements that benefit both businesses and the community. The theory of change suggests that by investing in the physical environment of the downtown area, the city will stimulate economic activity, improve quality of life, and strengthen community pride. This grant acts as a catalyst for private investment, aligning with a broader vision of sustainable urban development and community engagement.

The One North Carolina Small Business Program offers two grant opportunities for small businesses in the state. The Incentive Funds initiative provides reimbursement to qualified businesses for a portion of the costs incurred in preparing and submitting Phase I SBIR or STTR proposals to federal agencies. A pool of $400,000 is available for these preparation grants in the 2023-24 fiscal year. The Matching Funds portion of the program awards matching funds to businesses who have already received a federal Phase I SBIR or STTR award. In the current fiscal year, a pool of more than $2.4 million is available to support this class of grants. To apply for either the Incentive or Matching grant solicitations, interested organizations can visit commerce.nc.gov/grants-incentives/technology-funds/one-north-carolina-small-business-program. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2024, or until funds have been exhausted for the program’s 2023-24 fiscal year funding cycle.