We award small business grants to underrepresented and underserved entrepreneurs, including women-led, minority-led, and youth entrepreneurs (ages 13+).

Beyond funding, we provide digital and business support to all, despite your location, at grant-style pricing. Because we believe everyone deserves access to the tools and resources they need to build a better future.

We are looking for passion, purpose, and potential. Your idea can be a business, a creative project, or community initiative - as long as it shows promise and purpose.

We welcome both aspiring and established business owners to apply.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Identify as one of the following: • A woman or a minority • A youth (ages 13+)

Note: All minors must have a legal guardian co-sign any funding awarded.

Each grant cycle is anounced well before the application window, giving applicants plenty of time to prepare their pitch and put their best ideas forward.

Applications will remain open for approximately 30-45 days after each grant round is announced. Specific deadlines will be shared at the start of each application period.

Recipients will be contacted via e-mail approximately two weeks after the close date of the applications.

Example:

Applications open: 5/1/26

Applications close: 6/15/26

Review period: 6/16/26 - 7/1/26

Recipient announced: 7/2/26

Recipient support period: July/August

This fee helps us fund the grant pool and maintain an honest, sustainable selection process. It also supports the operation costs that allow us to extend services to the recipient of each grant.

Our community panel reads every application and selects finalists based on authenticity, effort, and impact. We're not looking for perfection, we're looking for heart and drive.

Depending on the recipient’s location, we’ll deliver funds in person whenever possible. If that isn’t feasible, we’ll coordinate directly with the recipient to ensure the funds are received smoothly.

If the recipient is a minor, the check will be issues to their parent or guardian, who will manage the funds responsibly on their behalf. This ensures that every recipient gets the support they need in a way that works best for them.

No. This is a gift, not a loan or investment. You are not required to pay it back.

You may submit one application per round. If you are not selected, you are welcome to reapply in the next round.

No. Once your application is submitted and payment is received, it is final. Please review your responses carefully before submitting.

Our community panel consists of a diverse group of individuals who bring firsthand experience and a shared commitment to equity and entrepreneurship. Panel members may include:

1. Local business owners and entrepreneurs

2. Professionals in legal, marketing, or finance

3. Community leaders, members, and advocates

Together, they bring a mix of fresh perspectives, business experience, and passion for uplifting underrepresented entrepreneurs across North Carolina.

No. Grant recipients are only eligible to receive funding once per calendar year. However, recipients may reapply and be eligible for additional funding beginning January 1 of the next fiscal year.

Nope! Business and digital support services are available community wide, no grant application needed. Our prices are intentionally reduced to reflect the spirit of our mission in providing accessible support to all.