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Downtown Boro's Small Business Grant Program

WILKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Foundation One-time Small Business Grants
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Funding Amount

Up to $5,000 per grant

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Downtown Boro's Small Business Grant Program

Status: Active (Launched in Fall 2024 to replace Fall 2024 Entrepreneur Grant Program)

Geographic Scope: Downtown areas of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Funder: Duke Energy Foundation ($25,000 grant)

Focus Areas: Support existing and expanding businesses in downtown Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro through operational enhancements across sectors including food services, retail, arts, entertainment, and healthcare.

Eligibility:

  • Existing and expanding businesses

  • Must have been operating for over one year

  • Located in downtown Wilkesboro or downtown North Wilkesboro

    • What They Fund:

  • Equipment upgrades

  • Space improvements and renovations

  • E-commerce expansion

  • Operational enhancements

  • Technology and system upgrades

  • Furniture and furnishings

  • Marketing and branding

  • Sound system upgrades

    • Award Amount: Up to $5,000 per business

    Program Details:

  • Funded by Duke Energy Foundation

  • First cycle (Fall 2024) awarded to 6 recipients

  • Applicants submit video pitch, business plan, and financial summary

  • Judged by panel of local business leaders and community professionals

  • Designed to strengthen downtown business districts

    • Contact:

  • Wilkes Economic Development Corporation

  • 213 9th Street N, Wilkesboro, NC 28659

  • Phone: (336) 838-1501

  • Email: lnixon@wilkesedc.com

  • Website: wilkesedc.com

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Application Requirements:
    - Video pitch presentation
    - Business plan
    - Financial summary

    2. Selection Criteria:
    - Potential funding impact on the business
    - Sustainability of each recipient's plans

    3. Submission Format:
    - Video pitch plus supporting business plan and financial documentation
    - Judges evaluate content to understand proposed use of funds

    4. Support Available:
    - One-on-one counseling from Wilkes Community College Small Business Center
    - Business plan development assistance
    - Financial summary guidance

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    small-businesses

    Categories

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