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Wilkes Entrepreneur Grant Program

WILKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Funding Amount

Up to $5,000 per grant; total varies by cycle

Deadline

October 31, 2026

206 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Wilkes Entrepreneur Grant Program

Status: Active, offered twice yearly (Spring and Fall cycles)

Geographic Scope: Wilkes County, North Carolina

Focus Areas: Support small business growth and development across various industries including retail, outdoor recreation, entertainment, health & wellness, arts and culture, tourism and hospitality, literary arts, and agritourism.

Eligibility:

  • Small business owners and entrepreneurs in Wilkes County

  • For the main program: businesses at any stage

  • Success rate: 87.36% of participating businesses remain active
  • What They Fund:

  • Equipment purchases and upgrades

  • Point-of-sale (POS) systems

  • Signage and outdoor improvements

  • Technology and software

  • Space improvements and renovations

  • Marketing and branding initiatives

  • Website enhancements

  • Business operational upgrades
  • Program Details:

  • Application requires: video pitch, business plan, and financial summary

  • Judged by panel of local business leaders and community experts

  • Past cycles awarded: Spring 2025 ($18,000 across 6 recipients), Fall 2025 ($14,000 across 4 recipients)

  • Program maintained by Wilkes EDC with support from local government partners, LEAP Forward Investors, Wilkes Community College Small Business Center, and Wilkes Chamber of Commerce
  • 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
    - Comprehensive business plan
    - Financial summary

    2. Selection Criteria:
    - Potential impact of funding for the business
    - Sustainability of proposed plans
    - Demonstrated commitment to business growth

    3. Review Process:
    - Applications reviewed by panel of judges including local business owners, community development professionals, and small business experts
    - Judges assess long-term business viability and growth potential

    4. Submission Requirements:
    - For pitch night events (like WEN Pitch Night): completion of two Small Business Center seminars, two hours of one-on-one counseling, and comprehensive pitch deck development

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

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    small-businessesstartups

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