The Duke Energy Foundation has announced a new initiative offering $700,000 in funding to support small businesses across North Carolina, in collaboration with community development organizations. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 will be allocated through 20 local groups to help retail stores, restaurants, and other small businesses with expansion, technological upgrades, and enhancements to their storefronts.
Now in its fourth year, the grant program has distributed over $2 million since its launch during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kendal Bowman, president of Duke Energy North Carolina, remarked, “The Duke Energy Foundation’s grant program has significantly contributed to the revival of small businesses in North Carolina, from bookstores to restaurants. These grants play a crucial role in ensuring our Main Streets are well-positioned for economic growth.”
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses are vital to North Carolina’s economy, employing nearly half of the state’s workforce. For instance, Anna Impson and Rebekah Rhoden, owners of Little Pep in Winston-Salem, utilized the grant funds to enhance their bistro’s historic storefront, attracting new customers.
Impson and Rhoden expressed, “The grant from the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership and the Duke Energy Foundation allowed us to revamp and restore our storefront, giving it the charm it deserves. We’re grateful for the Foundation’s support, which helped us bring our vision for Little Pep to life in our lively downtown.”
Bill King, president and CEO of Downtown Raleigh Alliance, highlighted the importance of this funding for local revitalization efforts. “The Duke Energy Foundation’s support is a significant boost for our mission to revitalize downtown Raleigh. Their commitment to aiding small, local businesses has set a high standard for corporate philanthropy.”
Small businesses interested in applying for these grants should reach out to the local nonprofit managing the program in their area.
Click here to see the entire list of recipients from each organization.
Now in its fourth year, the grant program has distributed over $2 million since its launch during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kendal Bowman, president of Duke Energy North Carolina, remarked, “The Duke Energy Foundation’s grant program has significantly contributed to the revival of small businesses in North Carolina, from bookstores to restaurants. These grants play a crucial role in ensuring our Main Streets are well-positioned for economic growth.”
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses are vital to North Carolina’s economy, employing nearly half of the state’s workforce. For instance, Anna Impson and Rebekah Rhoden, owners of Little Pep in Winston-Salem, utilized the grant funds to enhance their bistro’s historic storefront, attracting new customers.
Impson and Rhoden expressed, “The grant from the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership and the Duke Energy Foundation allowed us to revamp and restore our storefront, giving it the charm it deserves. We’re grateful for the Foundation’s support, which helped us bring our vision for Little Pep to life in our lively downtown.”
Bill King, president and CEO of Downtown Raleigh Alliance, highlighted the importance of this funding for local revitalization efforts. “The Duke Energy Foundation’s support is a significant boost for our mission to revitalize downtown Raleigh. Their commitment to aiding small, local businesses has set a high standard for corporate philanthropy.”
Small businesses interested in applying for these grants should reach out to the local nonprofit managing the program in their area.
Click here to see the entire list of recipients from each organization.