North Carolina for Small businesses Grants

Beyond Open is a competitive small business grant program focused on enhancing economic mobility within Charlotte's Corridors of Opportunity. It aims to support diverse-owned small businesses, including those owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ individuals, and persons with disabilities. The grant can be used for capital assets such as equipment, technology, inventory, and real estate, and does not require repayment. Administered by FFTC Partners For Empowering Communities, a supporting organization of the Foundation For The Carolinas, and funded by the Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund, Beyond Open has awarded over $10 million in grants to nearly 300 small businesses during its first two rounds. The third round will distribute approximately $5 million in grants. The program aims to retain jobs, encourage job growth, and inspire new entrepreneurial endeavors in areas with low economic mobility and among historically underrepresented groups. It also seeks to create opportunities for small businesses to provide goods or services in affluent areas where minority business owners have been under-represented.

The purpose of the Rowan Chamber’s Small Business Assistance Grant pilot program is to strengthen and grow established businesses within the City of Salisbury. By making these grants available, the Chamber is fulfilling its mission of driving economic stability, diversity, and growth in our community. Accessibility to funding contributes to the strength and effectiveness of the entrepreneurial ecosystem which in turn supports and nurtures small businesses. The Chamber 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 will be those who bring innovation and therefore have a unique competitive edge. They must be good corporate citizens and are encouraged to support their employees and other locally owned businesses. Applicants are not required to be Rowan Chamber investors (members) in order to participate. Since the funding is coming from the City of Salisbury, applicants must operate their business within the City of Salisbury limits. Since there are already a number of downtown business grants, this small business grant is designed to focus on priority corridors outside of downtown, for example: West End, South Main St. & West Innes St. Small business grant overview: Businesses located in City of Salisbury limits with 10 or fewer employees (or full time equivalent). They must be a legal entity and registered with the NC Secretary of State and have appropriate permits to operate. They must submit a quality business plan (FREE assistance available from RCCC Small Business Center) Grant funds may be used for a fixed asset utilized for the business or permanent improvements to physical space (examples: manufacturing equipment, lawnmower, vacuum cleaner, building signage, lighting, awnings, flooring) Grant funds may NOT be used for ongoing operational expenses (examples: rent, utilities, salaries, financing debt, inventory, memberships, legal fees) Grant requests may range from $5,000 – $10,000.