Small Business Grants in North Carolina
North Carolina has emerged as one of the top states for business growth, powered by the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill), Charlotte's financial sector, and a deep talent pipeline from the state's university system. The state combines affordable operating costs with sophisticated infrastructure and a rapidly growing population, creating strong opportunities for grant-funded entrepreneurs.
Economic Overview
North Carolina has approximately 900,000 small businesses employing over 1.7 million workers. The Research Triangle is a top-tier innovation hub, particularly for biotechnology, software, and clean energy. Charlotte is the second-largest banking center in the US. The state also has strengths in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, and military-connected businesses around Fort Liberty (formerly Bragg). North Carolina's cost of living is below most East Coast states while offering comparable quality of life.
State Grant Programs
The NC Department of Commerce offers the One North Carolina Fund (discretionary grants for job creation), the Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG), and various workforce training incentives. The North Carolina Biotechnology Center provides loans and grants to life sciences companies. First Flight Venture Center supports technology startups. The NC SBDC has offices across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation provides grants in rural and tobacco-dependent communities. NC IDEA offers equity-free grants to NC-based startups.
How to Apply
Contact the NC SBDC and visit the NC Commerce website. NC IDEA and First Flight Venture Center are excellent resources for startups. Life sciences companies should explore the NC Biotechnology Center. Rural businesses should check Golden LEAF Foundation grants. Register at SAM.gov for federal grants.
Featured Opportunities17 Active
Award Amount
$4,000 - $4,000
NASE Growth Grant 2025
Award Amount
$10,000 - $25,000
Amber Grant for Women
Award Amount
$275,000 - $275,000
America's Seed Fund (SBIR Phase I)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
FedEx Entrepreneur Fund (Boost Camp)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $500,000
Rural Business Development Grants
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
American Express Backing Small Business
Award Amount
$1,000 - $1,000
Skip Monthly Business Grants
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
IFundWomen Universal Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Venmo Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
LegalZoom Fast Break for Small Business
Award Amount
$30,000 - $100,000
Cartier Women's Initiative
Award Amount
$50,000 - $50,000
EmpowHer Grant
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Amex Shop Small Grants
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Intuit Small Business Hero
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Skip's $10k Kickoff Grant
Frequently Asked Questions
What grants does North Carolina offer small businesses?▼
NC offers the One NC Fund, JDIG tax grants, NC IDEA equity-free grants for startups, NC Biotechnology Center grants, Golden LEAF Foundation rural grants, workforce training grants, and federal SBIR/STTR programs.
Filter by City in North Carolina
Don't see a perfect match?
Most businesses rely on lines of credit rather than grants. Check your eligibility for up to $250k in fast funding.
Check Funding Eligibility