Are you a woman-owned small business in North Carolina looking for grants in 2023? If so, you have come to the right place. In this blog post, we will be exploring the top 10 grants for women-owned small businesses in North Carolina in 2023. These grants are designed to help female entrepreneurs and business owners access the resources they need to succeed and grow their businesses. Whether you are looking for funding to expand your operations, or start a new venture, these grants for women owned small business are sure to provide the support you need.
North Carolina Small Business Technology Development Center Women’s Business Center Grant
The North Carolina Small Business Technology Development Center Women’s Business Center Grant is specifically designed to support women-owned small businesses in the state. The grant program offers up to $5,000 in funding for eligible businesses, which can be used for a range of activities, including business planning, marketing, training, and more.
One of the key benefits of this grant program is that it provides recipients with access to valuable business resources, such as one-on-one coaching and training workshops. The program also offers networking opportunities, which can help women entrepreneurs connect with other business owners, industry experts, and potential customers.
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To be eligible for the North Carolina Small Business Technology Development Center Women’s Business Center Grant, your business must be at least 51% women-owned, located in North Carolina, and have fewer than 500 employees. In addition, applicants must have a clear plan for how they will use the funding to improve their business and demonstrate a need for financial support.
Applying for the grant involves completing an online application and submitting supporting documents, such as financial statements and business plans. The grant is awarded on a rolling basis, so it is important to apply as soon as possible to maximize your chances of being selected.
If you are a woman entrepreneur in North Carolina, the Small Business Technology Development Center Women’s Business Center Grant is a valuable opportunity to secure funding and resources to grow your business. Be sure to explore the other grants on our list to find additional options that may be a good fit for your business goals.
NC Rural Economic Development Center Microenterprise Loan Program
For women entrepreneurs looking to start or expand a small business in rural North Carolina, the NC Rural Economic Development Center Microenterprise Loan Program can be a valuable resource. This program offers loans up to $50,000 with flexible repayment terms and interest rates as low as 5%.
To qualify for this loan program, women-owned small businesses must be located in a rural community with a population of 50,000 or less, and have five or fewer employees. Additionally, the business owner must have a solid business plan and a good credit score.
The NC Rural Economic Development Center Microenterprise Loan Program is particularly beneficial for businesses in the agriculture, forestry, and tourism industries. Funds can be used for equipment purchases, marketing and advertising expenses, working capital, and more.
In addition to financial support, this program also provides business counseling and training services to help entrepreneurs develop their skills and grow their businesses. This can include workshops on topics such as bookkeeping, marketing, and strategic planning.
Overall, the NC Rural Economic Development Center Microenterprise Loan Program is a great opportunity for women entrepreneurs in rural North Carolina to receive financial and educational support to help start or grow their small businesses. Be sure to explore this program and other resources available to women-owned businesses in the state to see how they can help you achieve your entrepreneurial dreams.
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USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program
The USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program is a fantastic opportunity for women-owned small businesses in North Carolina to receive funding to start or expand their operations. This grant program is specifically designed for businesses operating in rural areas, which makes it perfect for businesses located outside of major urban centers.
The program provides funding of up to $500,000 for projects that help to stimulate economic growth and development in rural communities. This can include things like constructing new facilities, purchasing equipment or supplies, or developing marketing campaigns to reach new customers.
One of the best things about the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program is that it does not just provide funding – it also provides technical assistance to help businesses make the most of their grant funds. This can include things like business planning, market research, and training to help businesses improve their operations and grow over time.
Overall, the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program is a fantastic resource for women-owned small businesses in North Carolina. If you are interested in applying, be sure to visit the program’s website and review the eligibility requirements and application process. With the right application, your business could be on its way to receiving the funding and support it needs to thrive in rural North Carolina.
NC IDEA MICRO Grant
If you are a women-owned small business in North Carolina that needs funding for early-stage projects or to expand your current business, the NC IDEA MICRO Grant is an excellent option for you. The grant provides funding of up to $10,000 to small businesses in various industries, including tech, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and clean technology.
One of the unique features of the NC IDEA MICRO Grant is that it provides funding for market research, business planning, and other related expenses that most grant programs do not cover. This means that the grant can help women-owned businesses establish a strong foundation for their business, which can help attract more funding in the future.
The application process for the NC IDEA MICRO Grant is highly competitive, so it is essential to have a strong business plan and a solid strategy for utilizing the funds. The application process usually opens in early February and closes in mid-March, with winners announced in April.
To apply for the grant, your business must be a legally registered North Carolina entity that is majority-owned by women. You will also need to provide detailed information about your business, including financial statements, marketing plans, and other supporting documents.
NC Rural Center Small Business Credit Initiative Loan
The NC Rural Center Small Business Credit Initiative Loan is another great grant option for women-owned small businesses in North Carolina. This loan program is designed to provide loans of up to $250,000 to small businesses in rural areas of the state.
The loan funds can be used for a variety of business purposes, including purchasing equipment, inventory, or real estate. Additionally, the loan can be used for working capital or refinancing existing debt.
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To be eligible for the NC Rural Center Small Business Credit Initiative Loan, your business must be located in a rural area of North Carolina. You must also have a minimum credit score of 620 and demonstrate an ability to repay the loan.
The application process for this loan program can be lengthy and requires a thorough business plan. However, the funds can be a game-changer for small businesses in need of financial assistance.
If you are a woman-owned small business in a rural area of North Carolina, the NC Rural Center Small Business Credit Initiative Loan could be the perfect grant option for you. With its flexible terms and substantial loan amount, this grant could help you take your business to the next level.
NC Community Development Initiative Mini-Grant Program
The NC Community Development Initiative Mini-Grant Program is a grant specifically designed to support small businesses located in low-income communities throughout North Carolina. This grant provides up to $1,000 in funding to small business owners to support a variety of business development activities, including marketing and advertising, equipment purchases, and professional development opportunities.
To qualify for this grant, your business must be located in a designated low-income area and have five or fewer employees. Additionally, your business must have a business plan and a demonstrated need for funding. Applicants are also required to attend a grant writing workshop hosted by the NC Community Development Initiative.
The NC Community Development Initiative is a statewide nonprofit organization that focuses on supporting community economic development in underserved areas of North Carolina. They have a variety of programs and resources available to help small businesses grow and succeed, including their Mini-Grant Program.
Applying for the NC Community Development Initiative Mini-Grant Program is a straightforward process. Interested business owners can visit their website and download an application form. Along with the application, you will need to submit your business plan and financial statements.
If your business is selected for funding, you will be required to attend a follow-up meeting with the NC Community Development Initiative to provide a progress report and discuss how the funds were used.
Overall, the NC Community Development Initiative Mini-Grant Program is an excellent opportunity for women-owned small businesses located in low-income communities throughout North Carolina to receive much-needed funding to support their growth and development. If you meet the eligibility requirements and have a strong business plan, we highly recommend applying for this grant in 2023.
Duke Energy Economic Development Grant
The Duke Energy Economic Development Grant is a fantastic option for women-owned small businesses in North Carolina looking for funding in 2023. The grant is designed to support economic growth in communities across the state by helping businesses develop and expand their operations.
With the Duke Energy Economic Development Grant, businesses can receive funding to invest in things like new equipment, technology upgrades, marketing initiatives, and employee training. The grant typically ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, making it a great option for businesses of all sizes.
To be eligible for the grant, businesses must demonstrate that they have a strong track record of job creation and are committed to contributing to the economic development of their community. Applications for the grant typically open in the first quarter of the year and are due by mid-year.
In addition to the Duke Energy Economic Development Grant, there are many other funding opportunities available to women-owned small businesses in North Carolina. Consider exploring the North Carolina Small Business Technology Development Center Women’s Business Center Grant, NC Rural Center Small Business Credit Initiative Loan, or the Women’s Opportunity Fund Grant Program, among others. With the right funding, your business can achieve its goals and thrive in the coming years.
Golden LEAF Foundation Community-Based Grants
Another great option for women-owned small businesses in North Carolina is the Golden LEAF Foundation Community-Based Grants. The foundation was established in 1999 with a focus on economic development in North Carolina’s tobacco-dependent regions. Today, the foundation provides grants and scholarships to support workforce development, agriculture, and rural communities throughout the state.
The Golden LEAF Foundation Community-Based Grants are designed to help nonprofits and government entities implement economic development projects in their local communities. Small businesses can benefit from these grants by partnering with eligible organizations to implement projects that create jobs, improve infrastructure, and enhance local quality of life.
To apply for a Golden LEAF Foundation Community-Based Grant, your small business must be located in one of the 80 eligible counties in North Carolina. You must also have a strong partnership with a local nonprofit or government entity that is willing to submit the grant application on your behalf.
The Golden LEAF Foundation Community-Based Grants are highly competitive, so it is important to develop a strong application that clearly demonstrates the impact your project will have on the local community. Be sure to focus on creating jobs, promoting economic growth, and improving the overall quality of life for residents in the region.
Overall, the Golden LEAF Foundation Community-Based Grants are a great option for women-owned small businesses in North Carolina looking to make a positive impact in their local communities. If you are interested in learning more about these grants or need help developing your application, be sure to reach out to the foundation for assistance.
Women’s Opportunity Fund Grant Program
The Women’s Opportunity Fund Grant Program is a fantastic resource for women-owned small businesses in North Carolina. This grant program offers funding to women entrepreneurs who need assistance with starting or expanding their businesses. The program aims to promote economic empowerment and leadership among women in North Carolina.
The Women’s Opportunity Fund Grant Program is available to women who own at least 50% of a small business that has been in operation for at least one year. Applicants must also be North Carolina residents and be able to demonstrate financial need. The grant awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and can be used for a variety of business expenses, including marketing, equipment, and inventory.
To apply for the Women’s Opportunity Fund Grant Program, you will need to complete an application and submit it to the North Carolina Community Foundation. The application will ask for basic information about your business, including its history and goals, as well as details about your financial need and how you plan to use the grant funds.
If you are selected for a grant, you will be required to attend a series of training and mentoring sessions provided by the Women’s Business Center of North Carolina. These sessions will cover a range of topics, including financial management, marketing, and legal issues.
Overall, the Women’s Opportunity Fund Grant Program is a great resource for women-owned small businesses in North Carolina. By providing funding and resources, this program helps to promote economic empowerment and leadership among women entrepreneurs in the state. If you are a woman business owner in North Carolina, consider applying for this grant program to help grow and expand your business.
Minority Business Development Agency Grant Program
The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is an agency under the United States Department of Commerce that is dedicated to promoting the growth and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses. They offer a range of services and resources to support these businesses, including the MBDA Grant Program.
The MBDA Grant Program provides funding to organizations that are working to promote the growth and development of minority-owned businesses. This includes everything from providing technical assistance to offering financial support. In North Carolina, there are a number of organizations that have received MBDA grants, including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce and the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development.
One of the great things about the MBDA Grant Program is that it is open to a wide range of organizations, including non-profits, educational institutions, and state and local governments. This means that if you are a woman-owned small business in North Carolina, there may be organizations in your area that have received MBDA funding and can provide you with support and resources to help you grow and succeed.
To find out more about the MBDA Grant Program and to see a list of organizations in North Carolina that have received MBDA funding, visit the MBDA website or contact your local MBDA Business Center. By taking advantage of these resources, you can position your business for success and take advantage of the many opportunities that are available to women-owned small businesses in North Carolina.