Duke Energy Foundation has announced it will distribute $500,000 in grants to support small businesses across North Carolina. Twenty nonprofit organizations have been selected to each receive $25,000, which they will use to provide awards of up to $5,000 for individual small businesses. The funds are intended to help local enterprises such as restaurants and retail stores with renovations, equipment purchases, inventory acquisition, or other business needs.
Small businesses make up nearly half of the workforce in North Carolina and play a key role in economic activity within the state. Since 2020, Duke Energy Foundation has contributed more than $2.4 million to initiatives supporting small businesses.
Kendal Bowman, North Carolina state president for Duke Energy, stated: “Supporting small businesses boosts local economic activity, which has a positive impact on the communities and customers we serve. We’re proud to work alongside our community partners to help entrepreneurs and local businesses make their dreams a reality.”
Nicole J. Thompson, president and CEO of Downtown Durham Inc., said: “With Duke Energy’s support, DDI will turn business-led ideas into practical improvements that elevate safety, visibility and vitality. Upgrading the alleys that connect parking to Main Street will help storefronts shine, help create an engaging environment and attract more customers to discover all that downtown has to offer.”
Catherine Glover, executive director for Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation, added: “With support from the Duke Energy Foundation, 10 Beaufort County small businesses will each receive a $2,500 grant to make meaningful improvements that strengthen their operations, expand their reach, and enhance their customer experience. Small businesses are the backbone of Eastern North Carolina, and this funding will help 10 outstanding local businesses continue to grow and thrive.”
The nonprofit organizations chosen to distribute these funds include Beaufort Business Association; Chimney Rock Economic Development and Investment Team; Downtown Salisbury Inc.; Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association; Greater Eden Chamber Foundation; Launchhollysprings Inc.; McDowell Chamber Community and Business Impact; Mitchell Community College Foundation; Mitchell County Development Foundation; Montcross Area Chamber; Moore County Economic Development Partnership; Partnership for a Sustainable Community; Person County Business & Industrial Center; Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce Foundation; Region A Council; Renaissance Downtown Durham; Rolesville Downtown Development Association; Stokes County Arts Council; The Surry County Economic Development Foundation Inc.; and Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation.
Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million annually in philanthropic support funded by Duke Energy shareholders. Duke Energy is one of America’s largest energy holding companies with electric utilities serving 8.4 million customers across six states.
More information can be found at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center.
