Economic Development Agency Funding Grant

The Economic Development Agency Funding program, offered by New Hanover County, aims to foster equitable access to education and skilled employment for residents. It promotes a business-friendly environment and resilient infrastructure, ensuring community support for health and safety. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of safeguarding natural areas and cultural amenities, thus enhancing the overall quality of life while driving economic growth and job creation.

Program Strategies
Residents are provided equitable opportunities to connect to education and highly skilled employment.
A business-friendly environment that promotes growth, agility, and collaboration.
Resilient infrastructure drives economic growth and opportunities.
Every resident has access to services that support their physical health and mental well-being.
The community supports a life that mitigates health and safety risks.
Residents feel supported and connected to their community.
Through planned growth and development, residents have access to their basic needs.
Natural areas and critical environmental features are enhanced and protected.
Cultural amenities that enhance quality of place are safeguarded.

Eligibility

Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status and governmental entities are generally eligible to apply for economic development agency funding. Economic agencies include Economic Development Agencies and Community-Based Economic Development Agencies (arts, attractions, events, etc.). Economic agencies are paid to recruit, grow and retain businesses in New Hanover County; are primarily focused on improving the tax base or creating jobs; and creating community wealth, i.e., brings visitors/dollars into the local economy.