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Financial Resources
The purpose of the Orange County Business Investment Grant Program is to stimulate successful non-farm Business Investment development and expansion in Orange County. Use of Funds – 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.
START-UP GRANT (up to $1,500)
Intended for applicants that have been in operation for 6-months or less and have a connection with business counseling services through organizations such as Launch, Piedmont Food Processing Center, Midway Business Center, Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Durham Tech Small Business Center etc.
SMALL GRANT ($1,500.01 - $5,000)
Grant applications for $1,500.01 to $5,000.00 are intended for applicants that have been operational for at least 6-months.
LARGE GRANT ($5,000.01 – $10,000)
Grant applications for $5,000.01 or more are intended for applicants that have been operational for at least 1-year and will require additional financial information and a formal business plan. Should market conditions change, or in the event of an applicant with extraordinary conditions, a grant amount exceeding the maximum may be considered by the Subcommittee. All grants are subject to availability of funds.
Next Application Deadline: March 31st by 5:00 pm (Applications will be accepted quarterly (March 31st, June 30th, September 30th, December 31st)
Orange County actively seeks to support and increase the participation of women and BIPOC owned businesses in this grant program. Partner organizations are available to assist any applicant with the required documentation to submit the grant application. Please reach out to the Economic Development Department (edcmail@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-2325) with any questions, or for assistance getting connected with any of the partner organizations listed below.
SCORE Chapel Hill (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
104 S. Estes Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 240-7765
Chapelhillinfo@scorevolunteer.org
https://chapelhill.score.org/
SBTDC (Small Business & Technology Development Center)
UNC Chapel Hill, 1700 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Suite 115 / CB# 1823, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 962-0389
http://www.sbtdc.org/offices/unc/#sthash.UJQjZW0L.dpuf
The Small Business Center (Durham Technical Community College)
The Chesterfield
701 W. Main Street, Suite 203, Durham, NC 27701
919-536-7241
https://www.durhamtech.edu/small-business-center
The Agricultural Economic Development Grant Program will assist local farmers to develop new sources of agricultural income through the provision of cost-share grants. Individual grant limit is $10,000. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their operation is a verifiable farm business. The farm tract and farming operation on which the funds are to be used must be in Orange County.
Next Application Deadline: June 30, 2023– applications will be accepted quarterly thereafter (deadlines: September 30, December 31, March 31) if there are remaining funds.
The Agricultural Grant Subcommittee will be made up of five (5) voting members: including a member from the Orange County Economic Development Advisory Board(OCEDAB), two members from of the Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board (OCAPB) who are farmers in Orange County, One “at-large” farmer from Orange County, and One “at-large” food system or agriculture business practitioner from Orange County with relevant and beneficial experience. The committee will meet quarterly to review applications and make decision on possible awards.
For further information, please contact Mike Ortosky at 919-270-6528 or email: jmortosk@ncsu.edu
Additional Financial Resources:
Carrboro Revolving Loan Program
The Town of Carrboro Revolving Loan Fund has assisted over 30 new and existing businesses become a reality in Carrboro.
http://www.ci.carrboro.nc.us/173/Revolving-Loan-Fund
Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership
https://downtownchapelhill.com/programs/
Sidewalk Dining Grant
Sidewalk dining adds vibrancy and energy to our wonderful downtown and we want to encourage restaurants to get in on the fun! The Downtown Partnership is offering up to $500 as a matching grant for downtown Chapel Hill businesses to pay for sidewalk dining furniture as well as the cost of the sidewalk dining permit. https://downtownchapelhill.com/programs/sidewalk-dining-grant/
Facade Improvement Grant
The Facade Improvement Grant was created to encourage private investment through the renovation of facades in downtown Chapel Hill, to encourage good design, and to preserve the architectural character that is unique to Chapel Hill. Any business or property owner located within the Downtown Chapel Hill Municipal Service District is eligible to apply.
https://downtownchapelhill.com/programs/facade-grants/
Orange County Arts Commission
https://artsorange.org/ocacgrants/
SBA
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans
7(a) Loans
The 7(a) Loan Program, SBA’s most common loan program, includes financial help for small businesses with special requirements. This is the best option when real estate is part of a business purchase, but it can also be used for:
- Short- and long-term working capital
- Refinance current business debt
- Purchase furniture, fixtures, and supplies
The maximum loan amount for a 7(a) loan is $5 million. Key eligibility factors are based on what the business does to receive its income, its credit history, and where the business operates. Your lender will help you figure out which type of loan is best suited for your needs.
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans
504 Loans
The CDC/504 Loan Program provides long-term, fixed rate financing of up to $5 million for major fixed assets that promote business growth and job creation.
504 loans are available through Certified Development Companies (CDCs), SBA's community-based partners who regulate nonprofits and promote economic development within their communities. CDCs are certified and regulated by the SBA.
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/504-loans
Microloans
The microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand. The average microloan is about $13,000.
The SBA provides funds to specially designated intermediary lenders, which are nonprofit community-based organizations with experience in lending as well as management and technical assistance. These intermediaries administer the Microloan program for eligible borrowers.