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.
Who Should Apply
This program is ideal for small and start-up businesses that:
- Are growth-oriented and scalable
- 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, software, 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
- 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 learn more about our upcoming webinar that will explain the grant process and offer tips for submitting a compelling application.
For questions, please contact:
Stephanie Williams
Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
📞 336-228-1338
✉️ stephanie@alamancechamber.com
