Thank you for your interest in our small business grant program. Our 2023 grant cycle is closed, and we are no longer accepting applications.
Please check back in spring 2024 for details on the next grant cycle.
The purpose of the Alamance County Economic Development Foundation (EDF) Small Business Grant Program is to stimulate entrepreneurism and to encourage high-growth small business enterprises to launch, scale and grow in Alamance County. By making these grants available, the EDF is fulfilling its mission of driving economic stability, diversity, and growth in Alamance County. Accessibility to funding contributes to the strength and effectiveness of the entrepreneurial ecosystem which in turn supports and nurtures small businesses. The EDF 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 are typically those who bring innovation and therefore have a unique competitive edge. They must be good corporate citizens and are encouraged to employ Alamance County (and its municipalities) citizens.
The program will offer three types of grants for businesses based in and operating out of Alamance County only:
- Launch Grants – for businesses who are within their first two years of operations, (update as of May 10, 2023: this includes companies with less than six months of operations history). They may/may not have generated revenue at the time of application but should have a clearly defined plan to do so. Grant requests in this category may range from $1,500 – $5,000.
- Growth Grants – for businesses who are a legal entity and registered with the NC Secretary of State. They have filed a minimum of two years’ corporate tax returns and are needing capital to grow/scale. Grant requests in this category may range from $5,000 – $15,000.
- Innovation Grants – details to be announced at a future date.
The Chamber actively seeks to support and increase the participation of veteran, women, and minority-owned businesses in this program. Partner organizations are available to assist any applicant with the required documentation in the application process. Please reach out to Stephanie Williams, Director of Small Business & Entrepreneurial Development with any questions about the application:
Small Business & Entrepreneurial Development
Alamance Chamber
336-228-1338
stephanie@alamancechamber.com
Eligibility
- Applicant’s business must be located in Alamance County, NC, in areas zoned appropriately for their use.
- Applicants and their businesses must not have any past due taxes, fees, or fines.
- Applicants must be current with any existing loan payments.
- Applicant must wait at least 6 months from previous award before reapplying if they receive funding under the “Launch” category, or one year if they received funding under the “Growth” category.
- Duplication of benefits prohibited.
Grant Proceeds Shall NOT Be Used for the Following:
- Towards the cost of any tax implications of receiving the grant funds
- Re-granting funds and/or utilizing funds to cover a product or service that would be donated by the business.
- Purchase of equipment or improvement of real estate, intended for personal use.
- Political activities
- Owner salary
- Speculative ventures (Example: cryptocurrency purchases, commodity futures)
- Lending or investment
- Real property held for sale or investment.
- Pyramid sales – distribution plan businesses
- Foreign-controlled businesses
- Private membership clubs
Grant Program Schedule
- Application window open: May 1 – June 30, 2023
- Applications review period: July 1 – August 31, 2023
- Applicants notified: September 1, 2023 (anticipated)
Amount of Grant Awards
Each category has a recommended range for which awards may be given:
- Launch – $1,500 minimum; $5,000 maximum
- Growth – $5,000 minimum; $15,000 maximum
- Innovation – details to be announced at a future date.
Applicants may request any grant award within the corresponding category; however, the Grant Committee reserves the right to make any grant award it deems appropriate, including denying the request. The Grant Committee, with few exceptions, will NOT fund a project at 100%. Applicants are encouraged to leverage requested grant funds for additional resources and demonstrate this in the application process. Applicants should address how they intend to fund the gap and provide detailed cost estimates.
Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate some/all of the following:
- A clear need for grant funding to launch/grow their businesses.
- Plans to hire additional staff.
- High commitment level to grow the business locally – and remain local.
- Ability and intention to contribute to a balanced, dynamic local economy that promotes diversity, sustainable growth, and enhanced quality of life for Alamance County citizens while embracing community values.
NOTE: This is a competitive application process. Not all grant requests will receive an award. All grant awards are subject to availability of funds.
Compliance with Applicable Regulations
Grants made from this program must be consistent and in accordance with the following:
- All state and local regulations governing the applicant’s business.
- Terms and conditions established by the Grant Committee for each applicant.
- Policies established by the Alamance County Economic Development Foundation and/or the Alamance Chamber pertaining to this grant program.
For assistance in completing the application, feel free to reach out to:
Alamance Community College Small Business Center: 336-506-4311
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