2026 Small Business Grant Program

Overview

The Alamance County Economic Development Foundation (EDF) Small Business Grant Program is designed to support entrepreneurs and high-growth small businesses in launching, scaling, and expanding within Alamance County. Through this program, the EDF advances its mission to drive economic stability, diversity, and long-term growth by strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and increasing access to capital.

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Who Should Apply

This program is ideal for small and start-up businesses that:

• Are growth-oriented and scalable– and can demonstrate sustainable innovation incorporated into their business operations
• Have a demonstrated need for funding to advance their business and have exhausted other funding avenues
• Plan to create new employment opportunities and/or make capital investments
• Intend to remain in Alamance County
• Contribute to a diverse, sustainable, and vibrant local economy
• Show a strong commitment to engaging with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem
• Have funding needs to support the purchase of equipment, training, or other capital expenses that accelerate business growth.

Types of Grants

Launch Grants

• For businesses in operation for less than 2 years
• Must be a registered legal entity with the NC Secretary of State
• May or may not have generated revenue
• Must have a minimum viable product and a clear plan for revenue generation
• Funding range: $1,500 – $5,000

Growth Grants

• For established businesses with at least 2 years of tax filings
• Must be a registered legal entity with the NC Secretary of State
• Seeking capital to scale operations and/or train and expand workforce
• Funding range: $5,000 – $15,000

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be the owner/founder of the business
• Be (or plan to be for Launch applicants) engaged full-time in the business
• Operate the business located in Alamance County, NC
• Be current on all taxes, fees, and loan obligations
• Have an EIN and a separate business bank account
• Demonstrate engagement with an entrepreneurial support resource:
  • Launch Grant applicants – Alamance Community College Small Business Center (SBC) OR SCORE OR Prospera (Empowering Hispanic Entrepreneurs)
  • Growth Grant applicants – Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) OR SCORE
• Additional guidelines apply for previous grant recipients*

Priority Considerations

Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate:

• A clear, well-documented need for funding
• Innovation or a sustainable/competitive advantage
• Strong plans for job creation and/or capital investment
• Commitment to remaining and growing locally
• Active engagement in the entrepreneurial community
• Contributions to a balanced and thriving local economy

Use of Funds

Grant funds may not be used for:

• Salaries or payroll expenses
• Real estate for personal use
• Political activities
• Investments or speculative ventures (e.g., cryptocurrency)
• Franchise fees or private membership clubs
• Expenses outside Alamance County
• Any purpose not outlined in the approved application

Program Timeline

Application Opens: May 1, 2026

Application Deadline: June 26, 2026 (5:00 PM ET) – this is a firm deadline, extensions will not be made

Review Period: July 6 – August 31, 2026

Awards Announcement: September 4, 2026 (tentative)

Application & Award Details

• Applicants may request funding within the designated ranges
• Awards may not cover 100% of project costs
• Applicants should demonstrate how they will fund the remaining balance
• This is a competitive process, and not all applicants will receive funding

Free Application Support

The following organizations offer free assistance to applicants:

• Alamance Community College Small Business Center
• Prospera (Empowering Hispanic Entrepreneurs)
• Small Business and Technology Development Center
• SCORE
  
  Applicants are encouraged to schedule support early, as appointments fill quickly.

 Important Notes

• Applications must be fully completed to be considered
• Missing documents or unanswered questions will result in disqualification
• All submissions are confidential and become the property of the Alamance Chamber
• *Previous Launch Grant recipients may apply for a Growth Grant if eligible. Previous Growth Grant recipients must wait three grant cycles (years) before applying for another Growth Grant.

Click here to access a podcast that provides tips on submitting a compelling application.

For questions, please contact:
Stephanie Williams
Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
📞 336-228-1338
✉️ stephanie@alamancechamber.com

Click here to access application