Orange County Economic Development offers several grant programs to stimulate successful non-farm business development and expansion. Priority is 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 Grants (up to $1,500) are intended for applicants that have been in operation for six 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 Grants ($1,500.01 - $5,000) are for applicants that have been operational for at least six mnoths. Large Grants ($5,000.01 – $10,000) are for applicants that have been operational for at least one year. These grants require additional financial information and a formal business plan.
Agricultural Economic Development Grants assist local farmers to develop new sources of agricultural income. 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.
Grants are awarded quarterly, based on availability of funds. The next application deadline is 5 p.m. Dec. 31. For more information and a link to the grant application, visit www.orangecountync.gov/2761/Financial-Resources.