North Carolina Business and Commerce Grants

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.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

The purpose of the Rowan Chamber’s Small Business Assistance Grant pilot program is to strengthen and grow established businesses within the City of Salisbury. By making these grants available, the Chamber is fulfilling its mission of driving economic stability, diversity, and growth in our community. Accessibility to funding contributes to the strength and effectiveness of the entrepreneurial ecosystem which in turn supports and nurtures small businesses. The Chamber recognizes the value of entrepreneurism/small businesses who bring innovation, quality of life, jobs, and investment to the community. Businesses who receive funding through this program will be those who bring innovation and therefore have a unique competitive edge. They must be good corporate citizens and are encouraged to support their employees and other locally owned businesses. Applicants are not required to be Rowan Chamber investors (members) in order to participate. Since the funding is coming from the City of Salisbury, applicants must operate their business within the City of Salisbury limits. Since there are already a number of downtown business grants, this small business grant is designed to focus on priority corridors outside of downtown, for example: West End, South Main St. & West Innes St. Small business grant overview: Businesses located in City of Salisbury limits with 10 or fewer employees (or full time equivalent). They must be a legal entity and registered with the NC Secretary of State and have appropriate permits to operate. They must submit a quality business plan (FREE assistance available from RCCC Small Business Center) Grant funds may be used for a fixed asset utilized for the business or permanent improvements to physical space (examples: manufacturing equipment, lawnmower, vacuum cleaner, building signage, lighting, awnings, flooring) Grant funds may NOT be used for ongoing operational expenses (examples: rent, utilities, salaries, financing debt, inventory, memberships, legal fees) Grant requests may range from $5,000 – $10,000.

This program provides matching funds to small businesses in North Carolina that have received federal SBIR or STTR awards, helping them develop and commercialize innovative technologies.

This funding program provides financial support to Black- and Latinx-owned small businesses in Forsyth County, North Carolina, to help them succeed, retain jobs, and create new employment opportunities.

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This grant provides funding to public entities, nonprofits, academic institutions, and tribal governments for projects that support the conservation and recovery of at-risk wildlife species in Washington State.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Appalachian region for projects that promote economic diversification and workforce development in communities impacted by coal industry job losses.

This program provides financial assistance to production companies organizing esports events in North Carolina, promoting economic growth through local spending and job creation.

This program provides financial assistance to small business owners in Raleigh to improve their commercial properties, encouraging the activation of vacant or underutilized spaces and the creation of new jobs.

This grant provides financial support to Black entrepreneurs who are positively impacting their communities, helping them grow and sustain their businesses.

This program provides matching reimbursement funds to small business owners and property owners in Raleigh for improving the exteriors of their commercial buildings, fostering community enhancement and economic growth.

This grant provides financial support for property owners and business tenants in Kinston's Downtown Historic Commercial District to improve building façades and preserve historical architecture, enhancing the area's visual appeal and attracting more businesses.

The Artist Support Grant, funded by Dare Arts in North Carolina, offers $500 to $1,000 to individual artists and small artist groups for professional development, completion of new work, career promotion, training, travel, and artist fees, with eligibility limited to residents of selected counties who are not full-time students or recipients of other FY 2024-2025 N.C. Arts Council funding.

This grant provides $10,000 in funding to early-stage startups in North Carolina that are validating their business models and developing innovative products, along with mentorship and resources to support their growth.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative research projects that combine local knowledge and scientific expertise to address coastal and water resource challenges in North Carolina.