North Carolina Business and Commerce Grants

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

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.

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.

The Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Grant, offered by Orange County Animal Services in North Carolina, provides up to $500 for individuals, groups, or organizations to fund animal welfare initiatives in Orange County, honoring the legacy of former Animal Protection Society Executive Director, Pat Sanford.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, recycling businesses, nonprofits, multifamily property owners, public housing authorities, and colleges for developing or improving recycling programs in multifamily residences across North Carolina.

This grant provides funding to local governments, non-profits, and businesses in North Carolina to develop programs that reduce food waste through food donation and organics recycling initiatives.

The Orange County Business Investment Grant Program in North Carolina is seeking applications to provide financial support ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to stimulate non-farm business development and expansion within the county, with eligibility criteria including the business's physical location, operational duration, tax status, and connection with business counseling services.

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

The Artist Support Grant provides direct support to individual artists for professional and artistic development, either to enhance their skills and abilities to create work, or to improve their business operations and capacity to bring the work to audiences. Donor Name: Stokes County Arts Council State: North Carolina County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information $500 – $1,500 Eligibility Criteria The Artist Support Grant is intended to support a broad range of talented visual, performing, literary, and interdisciplinary artists. Emerging and established artists  Eligible candidates may be either emerging or established artists. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to spending a significant portion of their time on their work as artists. Individuals and groups  Individuals and Artist Collectives Both individual artists and small, unincorporated groups of collaborating artists are eligible to apply.  All members of a collaborating team must be North Carolina residents, live in the region where they are applying, and meet the other eligibility requirements. Résumés documenting residence from all team members should be included with the application. Residency  Artists should have lived in the region where they are applying continuously for at least one year prior to the consortium’s application deadline. An applicant must be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Proof of residence and status may be required by the consortium. Artists who live in more than one region should apply only where they spend the majority of the year. Regions Region 2: Beaufort, Dare, Hyde, Martin, Tyrrell and Washington  Region 10: Caswell, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin  Region 14: Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Iredell and McDowell  Region 16: Avery, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey For more information, visit Stokes County Arts Council.

The Agricultural Economic Development Grant Program offers cost share grants to assist farmers and nonprofits in their agricultural endeavors and to promote Agriculture Development and Outdoor Environmental Learning Centers in schools. Donor Name: Durham County State: North Carolina County: Durham County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/23/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The County has a successful economic development plan that offers cash incentives to businesses that create jobs in the community. This Agricultural Economic Grant Program mimics the same outcome but is directed to support farms, new and beginning entrepreneurs, nonprofits that support agriculture in the county, and to support agriculture education in schools. Funding Information  This program will provide two types of grants: Small grants for Agriculture Development in schools: Up to $1,500. Grants for Farmers: Up to $10,000. For more information, visit Durham County Government.

The Municipal Service District Grant Program provides financial assistance to commercial property owners and building tenants for enhancements to building facades, landscapes, and parking lots and the installation of new pedestrian elements. Donor Name: City of Salisbury State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The MSD Incentive Grant assists property and business owners within the Downtown Municipal Service District with enhancements to building facades, landscapes, driveways, and parking lots. These projects can range from minor repairs and repainting to substantial façade and landscape rehabilitation projects and the installation of new pedestrian amenities such as outdoor seating, planters, awnings, café fences, and lighting. Funding Information Grants are awarded on a 50/50 matching basis with a maximum City participation of $5,000. Eligible Projects Introduction of new pedestrian amenities, including planters, outdoor seating, café fencing, umbrellas, lighting, bicycle racks, and art – including the purchase of Salisbury Sculpture Show sculptures  Installation of new façade elements, including signage, lighting, and awnings  Painting of murals and ghost sign restoration  Restoration and rehabilitation of storefronts  Removal of false façades and metal canopies  Repair and replacement of windows and doors  Repair or reconstruction of architectural details  Repointing brick and masonry repairs  New parking lot amenities, including landscaping and artwork  Paving improvements  Exterior painting  Green building improvements, including solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, green roofs, and white roofs  Other building and landscape beautification projects that enhance that appearance and pedestrian-friendly environment of the Municipal Service District  Ineligible Projects  Routine maintenance  Painting of unpainted masonry or brick – excluding approved murals  New building construction  Interior rehabilitation Properties with any delinquencies in taxes or City utilities cannot be reviewed  Unapproved alterations to buildings, parking lots, and landscapes within the Local Historic District  Projects that have commenced prior to review by the CAC Grants Subcommittee For more information, visit City of Salisbury.

The Innes Street Incentive Grant assists property and business owners within the Innes Street Improvement District with enhancements to building facades, landscapes, driveways, and parking lots. Donor Name: City of Salisbury State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: These projects can range from minor repairs and repainting to substantial façade and landscape rehabilitation projects and the installation of new pedestrian amenities such as outdoor seating, planters, awnings, café fences, and lighting. Funding Information The grant is awarded on a 50/50 matching basis with a maximum City participation of $5,000.00 per project.  Eligible Projects Introduction of new pedestrian amenities, including planters, outdoor seating, café fencing, umbrellas, lighting, and art – including the purchase of Salisbury Sculpture Show sculptures  Installation of new façade elements, including signage, lighting, and awnings  Painting of murals and ghost sign restoration  Restoration and rehabilitation of storefronts  Removal of false façades and metal canopies Repair and replacement of windows and doors  Repair or reconstruction of architectural details Repointing brick and masonry repairs  New parking lot amenities, including landscaping and artwork  Paving improvements  Exterior painting  Green building improvements, including solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, green roofs, and white roofs  Other building and landscape beautification projects that enhance that appearance and pedestrian-friendly environment of the Innes Street Improvement District Ineligible Projects  Routine maintenance  Painting of unpainted masonry or brick – excluding approved murals  New building construction  Interior rehabilitation  Properties with any delinquencies in taxes or City utilities cannot be reviewed  Unapproved alterations to buildings, parking lots, and landscapes within the Local Historic District  Projects that have commenced prior to review by the CAC Grants Subcommittee For more information, visit City of Salisbury.

The Orange County North Carolina is seeking applications for its Community Climate Action Grant Program to accelerate climate change mitigation actions in Orange county. Donor Name: Orange County North Carolina State: North Carolina County: Orange County (NC) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 5 Years Details: Project Types These examples are just for illustrative purposes. We encourage a wide range of projects. Clean Energy Infrastructure – New Example: Rooftop Solar Installation, Electric Vehicle Charging Station Clean Energy Infrastructure – Repair Example: HVAC System Repair, Weatherization Clean Energy Infrastructure – Replacement Example: LED lighting to replace fluorescent bulbs Communication/Education Example: Extreme Heat Education Materials & Outreach Nature Based Solutions Examples: Soil Regeneration, Reforestation Waste Reduction/Circular Economy Example: Composting Program Analysis/Plan Example: Energy Efficiency Analysis Other Example: Neighborhood Tree Planting Funding Information  For the 2024-25 funding cycle, an estimated $262,500 in funding. Eligibility:  All public and non-profit entities are eligible to apply as well as small businesses whose gross revenues do not exceed $3 million annually. All proposed projects must demonstrate a positive impact on Orange County’s residents and environment as described in the scoring criteria. All funds awarded through this grant program should be spent in Orange County. Before funds can be distributed, successful applicants must have the legal standing to enter into a contractual funding agreement with Orange County. Such legal standing is not required at the time of application. For more information, visit Orange County North Carolina.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is seeking applications for its Rural Downtown Economic Development Grants. Donor Name: North Carolina Department of Commerce State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/20/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of this program is to support downtown revitalization and economic development initiatives that are intended to help local governments grow and leverage downtown districts as assets for economic growth, economic development, and prosperity. Funding availability is at the discretion of the Rural Infrastructure Authority. RDED Grants will support projects that Provide public improvements that help retain business and attract customers to business districts. Support publicly owned downtown economic development initiatives that leverage main streets and downtown districts as economic engines. Facilitate publicly owned building improvements that are used for community-wide uses or mixed-use development in or on properties that are publicly owned and controlled. Funding Information The maximum grant amount is $850,000 per grantee and may not exceed $12,500 per projected job created or retained. Eligible Activities Public Infrastructure – Improvements to publicly owned infrastructure in a downtown district, that serves a community-wide use, such as lots, alleys, streetscapes, waterfront developments and parks. Public Buildings (Renovation or Additions) – Improvements to publicly owned buildings in a downtown district that serve a public, community-wide use, such as a community center, theater, civic center, recreation center, or library. Mixed-Use Downtown Development (Renovation or Additions) – Improvements to publicly owned property in a downtown district that may be zoned and developed for a mix of uses. The mix of use may include two or more of the following: retail, restaurant, service, professional, nonprofit, governmental, institutional, or residential. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants are units of local government located in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties, and rural census tracts in Tier 3 counties. For the purposes of this program, units of local government are defined as municipal or county governments within the state of North Carolina. For more information, visit NCDC.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is requesting proposals for its Rural Building Reuse Program. Donor Name: North Carolina Department of Commerce State: North Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/20/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Building Reuse Grant Program develop older buildings in your community into assets to attract new or expanding businesses with the state’s Building Reuse Program. This program provides grants to local governments, using three categories of funding for: The renovation of vacant buildings The renovation or expansion of a building occupied by an existing North Carolina company wishing to expand in their current location The renovation, expansion or construction of health care entities that will lead to the creation of new, full-time jobs. Eligible Projects And Expenses Vacant Building Category Grants are available to support the renovation of vacant buildings. The building must be vacant for at least three months prior to application deadlines. Existing Business Building Category Grants are available to support the renovation or expansion of buildings occupied by a company operating in the state of North Carolina for at least 12 months. Companies must also meet the weekly wage standard, provide at least 50% benefits to employees and be represented on the Priority Industry Table. Rural Health Category Grants are available to support the renovation, expansion or construction of health care entities. The health care entity must be licensed by the State of North Carolina. Eligible applicants are units of local government located in either a Tier 1 or Tier 2 county, or a rural census tract in a Tier 3 county. In Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties, priority will be given to towns or communities with populations less than 5,000. As prescribed in N.C.G.S. 143B-472.127(a)(2), a rural census tract is an area having a population density of less than 500 people per square mile according to the most recent decennial federal census. The program requires a cash match equal to the grant request amount. The local government must contribute at least 5% of the cash match. The cash match shall come from local resources and may not be derived from other State or federal grant funds. For more information, visit NCDC.

Beyond Open is a competitive small business grant program focused on enhancing economic mobility within Charlotte's Corridors of Opportunity. It aims to support diverse-owned small businesses, including those owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ individuals, and persons with disabilities. The grant can be used for capital assets such as equipment, technology, inventory, and real estate, and does not require repayment. Administered by FFTC Partners For Empowering Communities, a supporting organization of the Foundation For The Carolinas, and funded by the Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund, Beyond Open has awarded over $10 million in grants to nearly 300 small businesses during its first two rounds. The third round will distribute approximately $5 million in grants. The program aims to retain jobs, encourage job growth, and inspire new entrepreneurial endeavors in areas with low economic mobility and among historically underrepresented groups. It also seeks to create opportunities for small businesses to provide goods or services in affluent areas where minority business owners have been under-represented.

This funding opportunity supports university researchers in developing and commercializing life sciences inventions to advance their practical applications and attract potential investors.

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].