Grant & Incentive Opportunities

The Orange County Business Investment Grant Program works to stimulate successful business development and expansion in the Orange County region. Priority will be given to ventures demonstrating a clear need for grant funds to grow their business, hire additional staff, grow the commercial tax base, and/or create a significant social and economic impact in the County.

• Orange County actively seeks to support and increase the participation of women and BIPOC owned businesses in this grant program.
• Small Grants up to $5,000; Large Grants up to $10,000
• Deadline for the current round of applications is March 20, 2026 at 5pm
• Learn more, view the program guidelines, and access the application here

The Orange County Agricultural Grant program is intended to provide assistance to Orange County farmers in developing new sources of agricultural income. Individual grant limit is $10,000. Farmer applicants must be able to demonstrate that their existing operation is a verifiable farm business meeting the following requirements: 

• Land - owned or leased by applicant in Orange County
• Infrastructure - suitable for existing operation and any required expansion
• Market - defined, accessible, with history of sales
• Experience - knowledge, ability, and demonstrated relevant experience
• Concept – demonstrates a valid need and specific request
• Deadline for the current round of applications is February 28, 2026 at 5pm

Learn more about this opportunity, the program guidelines, and application here

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina has a number of grants, incentives, and programs available to help businesses grow. From tax exemptions to workforce trainings, learn more about what the EDPNC has to offer.

The North Carolina Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) Program allows property owners to get low-cost, long-term financing for qualifying improvements on existing buildings. Improvements include energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy installations, resiliency and risk-mitigation projects, and water conservation and safe water upgrades.

Projects that C-PACE funding can be used for include:

• Upgrade or replacement of HVAC systems to more efficient equipment
• LED lighting retrofit
• High-efficiency window and door replacements
• Rooftop or ground-mounted solar systems
• Stormwater management systems
• Flood mitigation measures
• High-efficiency plumbing fixtures
• Building envelope improvements

Benefits of C-PACE include:

• For Property Owners & Developers- One of the biggest barriers to converting potential projects to completed projects for efficiency and resiliency upgrades are the up-front costs. CPACE financing typically requires little up-front investment, and qualifying improvements have a direct impact on property value.
  • Up to 100%, long-term financing. All direct and indirect hard and soft costs can be included in C-PACE financing applications
  • Transferable upon sale. The C-PACE lien and assessment are attached to the property and transfers to the new owner
  • C-PACE financing may be repaid over the useful life of the improvements (20-30 years). This is longer than other traditional commercial loans and therefore reduces the installment payments,
• For Existing Mortgage Holders- C-PACE assessments are non-accelerating, meaning only current or past due annual payments can be collected each year while future payments stay with the property. As such, existing lienholders see their collateral improved without substantial increase in credit risk and with minimal impact on lien priority.
  • Enhance property value
  • Improve a building's longevity an reduce the risk of value decline over time
  • Lower utility costs and increase net operating income
• For Energy Auditors, Architects, Building Engineers, and Contractors: When property owners can access financing for longer terms than are typically available, substantial efficiency and resiliency improvements become more affordable. Energy auditors, architects, engineers, and contractors can suggest C-PACE financing as a way for their clients to implement needed energy or resiliency upgrades that might otherwise be unaffordable.

To learn more about this program view the Program Guidelines and Toolkit and reach out to econdev@carrboronc.gov with any questions you may have.

Grant opportunities will be updated on a quarterly basis to share new opportunities with Carrboro's business community:

1. The Mona Impact Grant provides funding support to a founder who puts community first: Small businesses are the hearts and engines of our communities. They employ our neighbors, revitalize our streets, and tackle challenges. They create opportunities where none existed, serve populations that have been underserved, and prove that a business can be both sustainable and mission driven.

• $5,000 in funding available
• Grant funds are unrestricted and flexible for grantees to use where they need it most
• Deadline to apply is March 16, 2026 at 11:59pm
• Learn more about eligibility requirements, rules, and terms here

2. Intuit Small Business Hero Program recognizes small-business owners who have shown courage, perseverance, and integrity in their communities. Three businesses will be recognized with grants and will receive Quickbooks and Mailchimp services.

• $20,000 grants
• Applications are accepted across four phases throughout the year, with the next deadline on May 15, 2026
• Learn more about this opportunity or nominate your business here

3. Breva Thrive Grant provides funds for a small business that has made a positive impact on their community by creating new jobs, new products, making services more accessible, or reaching underrepresented communities in innovative ways. 

• $5,000 grants
• Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis. The next application cycle opens on April 1, 2026, and closes on April 30, 2026
• Learn more about this opportunity and the eligibility rules here

4. The Kitty Fund Mompreneur Grant is a micro-grant opportunity for moms who run employer-based small businesses with 2 or more employees. Twenty finalists will be awarded funds.

• $1,000 grants
• Applications will open on March 10, 2026, but pre-applications are open now
• Learn more about this micro-investment program and apply here 

5. WomensNet runs multiple grant programs including the Amber Grant, Startup Grant and Business Specific Category Grant. These programs were created to empower female entrepreneurs and are available to businesses that are 50% or more women-owned.

• $10,000 grants available monthly with winners getting put in the running to win an additional $50,000 at the end of the year 
• Applications are due by the last day of every month by midnight
• Learn more about WomensNet and their programs here

6. The Pilot Small Business Growth Fund looks to support small businesses as they grow and scale. Whether you're investing in operations, expanding your team, or strengthening your financial infrastructure, this fund is designed to help you take the next step forward.

• One $50,000 grant, two $25,000 grants, fifteen $10,000 grants
• Applications are open until March 31, 2026 at 6pm
• Learn more about this opportunity and the specific terms and conditions here
  

7. Amex Shop Small Grants Program funds 500 $20,000 grants to empower small businesses to grow, innovate, and help local economies thrive. Recipients of the grant will have 6-months to complete their projects, so applicants are encouraged to prepare a ready-to-execute project plan and a detailed, itemized budget. The application period is currently closed but will reopen in Fall 2026.