North Carolina Small Business Grants & Funding Programs
North Carolina offers funding for startups, manufacturers, and growth-stage businesses through statewide economic development partners, local innovation ecosystems, and city-level small business programs.
Statewide Business Support
North Carolina businesses can access support through statewide development programs, SBDC advisers, and grant opportunities tied to expansion, workforce development, and rural economic growth.
Triangle and Innovation Funding
Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the broader Research Triangle region provide strong support for technology, life sciences, and university-connected ventures through accelerators and innovation programs.
Charlotte and Regional Programs
Charlotte and other regional hubs offer local grants, minority business support, and small business recovery or corridor improvement programs for eligible companies.
North Carolina Business Grants
94 grants found
The Freed Fellowship Grant
What is the grant programme? The Freed Fellowship helps small business owners get the resources, mentorship, and community they need to build successful companies that make an impact. Every month, we give one $500 grant to business owner in the US to invest in their existing business. No strings attached. No equity required. We review each grant submission against our 5C Framework which analyzes five key components that successful businesses need to navigate: What's the application process? If you are interested please click above and the site will walk you through the process of award acceptance and the necessary onboarding steps. What information will I need to provide? - Project details. - Application questions.
Awesome Foundation Grants
Monthly grants of $1,000 awarded by independent chapters to individuals and groups for various projects, including startups and small businesses.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Business Programs
Offers loans, grants, and guarantees to promote rural business growth and job creation.
Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program
One‑year funding opportunity for organizations to execute state/regional programs that increase the number of SBIR/STTR proposals and awards, and better prepare awardees for commercial success.
Veteran Federal Procurement Entrepreneur Training Program (VFPETP)
Funding opportunity for current VFPETP recipient organizations, with an initial 12‑month period and two option years, offering procurement training for start‑up and established small businesses.
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
Federal grant program that partners small businesses with research institutions to develop and commercialize technology.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Federal grant program that supports small businesses conducting scientific research and development with high commercialization potential.
Grants for Community Organizations
Grants that promote entrepreneurship, including support for veteran‑owned and service‑disabled veteran‑owned businesses and Small Business Development Centers.
Manufacturing Grants
Grants to help empower small manufacturers as part of the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, providing hands‑on training and workforce development.
Capital Readiness Program
Discover our program offering technical assistance to support growth and scalability of minority and underserved entrepreneurs.
HUBZone Program
An SBA sponsored program to promote economic development by offering financial grants.
8(a) Business Development Program
Program established by the SBA to help firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals access federal contracting opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in North Carolina