North Carolina Small Business Grants 2026
Updated 13 official sources
Quick Answer: North Carolina small business grants come from state agencies, a tobacco settlement foundation, local recovery programs, and federal pass-through routes.
Full answer and how we checked it
The One North Carolina Fund is a negotiated job-creation incentive, not a normal small-business application. Golden LEAF Open Grants are for governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. NC IDEA offers $10,000 MICRO and $50,000 SEED grants directly to startups. The FY2026 One NC Small Business round closed June 30, 2026, and NC Commerce opened FY2027 applications on September 14, 2026. Its October 8, 2026 release says they'll be accepted until June 30, 2027 or until funds run out (see the One NC Small Business page (opens in a new tab)). Incentive grants can reimburse up to $12,000, and Matching grants can cover 50% of a federal Phase I SBIR/STTR award up to $75,000. Who this is for: North Carolina founders, rural business owners, manufacturers, and economic development teams deciding which funding path is realistic.
Data note: Funding amounts were rechecked on June 18, 2026 against NC Commerce, Golden LEAF, NC IDEA, USDA Rural Development, SBIR/STTR, and NC Commerce 2026 county-tier records. Dollar amounts may shift with annual appropriations, state legislative action, and local match rules.
In this guide
- June 2026 Source Check: North Carolina Small Business Grants
- Best 2026 Options to Check First
- North Carolina Small Business Grants: State-Funded Programs
- Federal Small Business Grants Available in North Carolina
- Local and City-Level Small Business Grants in North Carolina
- What NC Commerce's Website Doesn't Tell You About North Carolina Small Business Grants
- Best Fit and Bad Fit Checklist for North Carolina Small Business Grants
- How to Apply: Step-by-Step for North Carolina Small Business Grants
- North Carolina Small Business Grant Amounts: Realistic Expectations
- Related Guides
- Sources
Whether you're a tech startup in the Research Triangle, a manufacturer in the Piedmont, a tourism business in the mountains, or an agricultural business in eastern North Carolina, this guide covers North Carolina small business grants available in 2026. Who this is for: small business owners, entrepreneurs, economic development professionals, and nonprofit leaders supporting business growth who need specific programs, dollar amounts, and application paths.
North Carolina's economic development approach combines traditional state incentives (tax credits, deal-closing grants) with two distinctive assets: the Golden LEAF Foundation, which distributes tobacco settlement dollars to rural communities, and NC IDEA, one of the few state-affiliated organizations providing direct startup grants. This combination gives North Carolina a broader range of small business grant options than most Southeastern states.
According to NC Commerce's May 2026 Small Business Week release, the state has about one million small businesses, and in 2025 they employed 1.8 million people. The economy has strength in banking and finance (Charlotte), technology and life sciences (Research Triangle), advanced manufacturing, and agriculture. The programs below range from $10,000 startup micro-grants to multi-million-dollar deal-closing funds.
For federal programs available to North Carolina applicants, run the free Grantsights eligibility checker before you spend time on a full application.
According to NC Commerce, OneNC is a discretionary cash-grant program for competitive job-creation projects. According to NC Commerce, FY2026 One North Carolina Small Business Program funds closed June 30, 2026, and the FY2027 round tied to federal SBIR/STTR activity has been taking online applications since September 14, 2026. According to Golden LEAF, Open Grants are for governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits, not direct business applicants. According to the NC IDEA Foundation, MICRO grants provide $10,000 and SEED grants provide $50,000 in non-dilutive funding for growth-oriented North Carolina startups, and applicants may only apply to one of those programs in a cycle. According to USDA, rural business programs can support eligible rural development and producer projects. According to Grants.gov, federal notices should be checked directly before relying on a state or local summary.
North Carolina small business funding usually falls into 3 routes: negotiated job-creation incentives, rural or tobacco-transition ecosystem funding, and startup or SBIR-linked non-dilutive capital. For example, a Research Triangle bioscience startup may fit NC IDEA and SBIR matching, while a Main Street business in a Tier 3 county is usually a bad fit for OneNC unless it is creating a significant number of new jobs. Compare live options in Grantsights grant database, North Carolina grants, and SBIR agencies comparison.
What official North Carolina small-business pages don't tell you is which programs are direct company capital and which require a public or nonprofit applicant. Grantsights analysis compares OneNC, One North Carolina Small Business SBIR/STTR funds, Golden LEAF, NC IDEA, Building Reuse, county tiers, and USDA rural routes before recommending an apply, skip, or better route decision. Apply to NC IDEA when the startup is early, North Carolina based, and growth oriented. Skip OneNC when the project is not a competitive job-creation deal. A better route may be a local government sponsor, Golden LEAF partner, SBIR/STTR match, SBTDC support, or USDA rural program.
For example, a hypothetical company seeking a small amount of ordinary working capital would be a bad fit for most headline state incentives. The stronger route is to separate startup grants, SBIR-linked money, rural ecosystem funds, and negotiated economic-development incentives before writing.
June 2026 Source Check: North Carolina Small Business Grants
| Source checked | What it changes for applicants |
|---|---|
| NC Commerce One North Carolina Fund | Confirms OneNC is a discretionary deal-closing route for competitive job-creation projects, usually through local government, not a normal small-business grant application. |
| NC Commerce One North Carolina Small Business Program | FY2026 funds closed June 30, 2026. FY2027 Incentive and Matching applications opened September 14, 2026 and run until June 30, 2027 or until funds run out. |
| FY2027 One NC Small Business Incentive solicitation | Keeps the Incentive cap at up to $12,000 of qualified Phase I proposal expenses; the October 8, 2026 release puts $210,000 into Incentive grants. |
| FY2027 One NC Small Business Matching solicitation | Keeps the Matching cap at 50% of a federal Phase I SBIR/STTR award, up to $75,000; $1,920,000 is available, plus an extra $25,000 for Matching recipients in areas hit hard by Hurricane Helene. |
| NC Commerce October 8, 2026 release | Says the program has helped over 500 companies since 2006, with 2,000 jobs and over $8.6 billion in follow-on funding. The May 2026 release used a higher $10 billion figure, so treat the totals as approximate. |
| NC Commerce 2026 county tier rankings | Confirms 18 counties changed tier status for 2026, which affects OneNC, Building Reuse, JDIG, and related incentive terms. |
| Golden LEAF Open Grants | Confirms Open Grants are capped at $500,000 or less and eligible applicants are governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. |
| Renew NC Commercial District Revitalization | Adds a western North Carolina recovery path: the first 2026 round offered $40 million for local governments and nonprofits in Helene-affected commercial districts and closed August 4, 2026. Renew NC (opens in a new tab) lists prescreening for an upcoming Round 2 but hasn't posted its dates. |
| NC IDEA MICRO and SEED | Two cycles a year (Spring and Fall). The Fall 2026 window ran July 27 to August 24, 2026 and is closed; Spring 2027 dates weren't posted as of October 13, 2026. Applicants can't apply to both programs in the same cycle. |
Internal route map: use North Carolina grants for state-wide public funding, small business grants for federal route screening, rural small business grants for USDA and rural intermediary paths, SBIR agency comparison for technology firms, and North Carolina live grant search once the applicant type is clear.
Next route: Compare local options with the small-business grant route, North Carolina grant records, and eligibility checker. Use this guide for state fit and the route pages for active program choice.
First-screen route map: use small-business grants for active national and owner-operated business routes, North Carolina grant records for state and local records, NC IDEA for startup grant cycles, One NC Small Business for SBIR/STTR-linked technology firms, and Golden LEAF only when a government or 501(c)(3) applicant can carry the project.
Get grant deadline alerts by email
About once a week, we email a short list of open grant calls with real deadlines from different funders. It isn't limited to the programs in this guide.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Best 2026 Options to Check First
| Program | Best fit | 2026 source signal | First move |
|---|---|---|---|
| One North Carolina Fund | Companies creating significant new jobs | According to the NC Commerce OneNC program page, awards depend on jobs created, investment, location, project impact, and state or regional importance. | Contact local economic development staff before applying. |
| Building Reuse Program | Rural building renovation tied to job creation | According to NC Commerce Building Reuse guidance, grants go to local governments in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties, or rural census tracts in Tier 3 counties. | Verify county tier and building eligibility first. |
| Golden LEAF Open Grants | Rural economic development projects led by governments or nonprofits | According to Golden LEAF Open Grants guidance, eligible applicants are governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits, with awards of $500,000 or less. | Find a public or nonprofit applicant if your business is the beneficiary. |
| NC IDEA MICRO and SEED | North Carolina startups seeking non-dilutive capital | According to NC IDEA program materials, MICRO and SEED fund early-stage North Carolina companies at different readiness levels. | Check the current cycle calendar before drafting. |
| One NC Small Business Program | SBIR/STTR Phase I applicants and winners | According to NC Commerce (opens in a new tab), the FY2027 round is open until June 30, 2027 or until funds run out; Incentive grants can reach $12,000 and Matching grants can reach 50% of a federal Phase I award up to $75,000. | Apply for the Incentive with a federal Phase I proposal, or the Match after a Phase I award, while FY2027 funds last. |
| Renew NC Commercial District Revitalization | Helene-affected western NC commercial districts | According to NC Commerce, round 1 offered $40 million to eligible local governments and nonprofits, with awards from $500,000 to $10 million, and closed August 4, 2026; that's a separate program from One NC Small Business. | Check whether the project is in a listed MID county or ZIP code and whether a public or nonprofit applicant can carry the CDBG-DR compliance load. |
The biggest mistake is treating every North Carolina "small business grant" as a direct check to a company. Many state and Golden LEAF dollars flow through local governments, nonprofits, or economic development organizations. For a wider funding map, compare this page with small business grants complete guide and grants for rural small businesses.
North Carolina Small Business Grants: State-Funded Programs
One North Carolina Fund
The One North Carolina Fund is the Governor's discretionary deal-closing fund, providing grants to local governments as incentives for companies creating jobs.
According to NC Commerce data from the One North Carolina Fund page (opens in a new tab), awards are based on jobs created, investment level, project location, economic impact, and the project's importance to the state or region.
| One NC Fund Details | |
|---|---|
| Typical total award | $50,000 - $5M+ |
| Decision maker | Governor's office |
| Application pathway | Through local government, not directly |
| Local match | Required, by county tier (NC Commerce lists 1:3, 1:2, or 1:1) |
| Clawback provisions | Yes, if job/wage commitments aren't met |
Is this realistic for small businesses? Mostly no. One NC Fund deals typically involve larger companies making location decisions between multiple states. NC Commerce doesn't publish a minimum job count, so if your expansion involves a significant number of new positions, contact your local economic development organization to discuss whether One NC Fund is appropriate.
Golden LEAF Foundation
Golden LEAF is North Carolina's most distinctive economic development funder. Created to distribute the state's share of the 1998 tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, Golden LEAF has funded North Carolina community projects since 1999.
| Golden LEAF Program | Award Range | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Open Grants Program | $500,000 or less | Governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits |
| Economic Catalyst Program | Varies by project | Governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits |
| SITE Program | Varies by project | Governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits doing site identification and due diligence |
| Workforce Scholarship Program | Individual scholarships | Community college students |
Who qualifies: Golden LEAF prioritizes North Carolina's tobacco-dependent and economically distressed communities, primarily in eastern and rural North Carolina. The foundation doesn't fund businesses directly. Instead, it funds local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions that create conditions for business growth (infrastructure, workforce training, entrepreneurship support, broadband). If your business benefits from improved infrastructure or workforce training in a Golden LEAF-eligible area, the foundation may fund the supporting ecosystem around you.
According to Golden LEAF data from the Open Grants Program (opens in a new tab), eligible applicants are governmental entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and Open Grants awards are $500,000 or less. Applications are accepted through posted cycles. Visit goldenleaf.org (opens in a new tab) for current guidelines and eligibility maps.
NC IDEA: Direct Startup Grants
NC IDEA is one of the best startup grant programs in the country, providing direct non-dilutive funding to early-stage companies.
| NC IDEA Program | Award | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| NC IDEA MICRO | $10,000 | Very early-stage, NC-based startups |
| NC IDEA SEED | $50,000 | Early-stage startups with prototype/MVP |
| NC IDEA ENGAGE | Varies | Universities supporting entrepreneurship |
NC IDEA SEED is the flagship program. Awards of $50,000 in non-dilutive funding go to startups that have a product or minimum viable product and can articulate a clear market opportunity. NC IDEA runs two cycles a year, Spring and Fall, and funds about 6 SEED companies per cycle. Its June 2026 cycle data shows SEED award rates of 3% to 5% (6 of 183 applicants in Spring 2026), so it's very competitive. NC IDEA doesn't take equity or require repayment.
NC IDEA MICRO provides $10,000 for very early-stage companies that haven't yet built a product. This is enough to fund market research, initial prototyping, or customer discovery. MICRO funds about 15 companies per cycle, with award rates of 4% to 10% in recent cycles.
These programs are available to for-profit companies headquartered in North Carolina. Apply at ncidea.org (opens in a new tab).
NC Commerce Programs
The North Carolina Department of Commerce administers several programs relevant to small businesses:
- Building Reuse Program: Grants to local governments for renovating vacant buildings in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties, or rural census tracts in Tier 3 counties. The building must be used for a new or expanding business creating jobs. Check the NC Commerce Building Reuse page (opens in a new tab) for current award limits.
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Federal pass-through for economic development projects in non-entitlement communities
- Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG): Performance-based incentive where companies receive a portion of state withholding taxes on new jobs. Typically for larger projects.
- NC Commerce Workforce Grants: Customized training grants through the community college system
NC Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
The SBTDC, hosted at NC State University with offices statewide, is North Carolina's SBDC network. Key services include:
- Free business advising and consulting
- SBIR/STTR proposal writing assistance (NC has dedicated SBIR counselors)
- Market research and financial projections
- Government contracting assistance
- Export development support
The SBTDC is particularly strong in SBIR/STTR support, with counselors who help with proposal development.
Federal Small Business Grants Available in North Carolina
SBIR and STTR Programs
North Carolina's research university ecosystem (Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, Wake Forest) drives strong SBIR/STTR performance. The Research Triangle Park area is one of the highest SBIR-producing regions in the country.
| Agency | SBIR/STTR Phase I Award | Phase II Award |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | $275,000 | $1.15 million |
| National Institutes of Health | $335,937 (guideline) | $2,239,578 (guideline) |
| National Science Foundation | Up to $305,000 | Up to $1,250,000 |
| Department of Energy | $250,000 | $1.15 million |
| NASA | $150,000 | $850,000 |
NC SBIR/STTR Matching Funds: North Carolina operates one of the few state SBIR matching programs, but it's for Phase I only. Through the One North Carolina Small Business Program (opens in a new tab), Phase I awardees can get 50% of the federal award, up to $75,000, to help bridge to Phase II. There's no state match on Phase II awards.
SBA Programs in North Carolina
- SBTDC Network: Offices across the state providing free consulting
- SCORE Chapters: Free mentoring from experienced business professionals
- Women's Business Centers: Multiple locations providing training and technical assistance
- SBA Microloans: Loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders
USDA Rural Business Grants
Rural North Carolina, particularly the eastern and mountain regions, qualifies for USDA programs:
- Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG): $10,000 to $500,000 for rural business development
- Value-Added Producer Grants: Up to $50,000 (planning) or $200,000 (working capital) under the FY2026 caps for agricultural producers
- Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): USDA isn't currently accepting REAP grant applications; check the USDA REAP page before planning around it
Contact the USDA NC State Office (opens in a new tab) for current opportunities.
Local and City-Level Small Business Grants in North Carolina
Charlotte/Mecklenburg
- Charlotte Business INClusion: Programs supporting small, minority, and women-owned businesses in city contracting
- Charlotte Center City Partners: Grants and incentives for businesses in uptown Charlotte
- Foundation For The Carolinas: Community foundation with business-related grant programs
Raleigh-Durham/Research Triangle
- First Flight Venture Center: Incubation and some non-dilutive funding for tech startups
- Launch Raleigh/Durham: City-supported startup programs
- NC Biotechnology Center: Grants and loans for life science companies and research; check ncbiotech.org for current amounts
Greensboro/Triad
- Launch Greensboro: Startup grants and mentoring
- Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship: Incubation and small business support
- Guilford County economic development programs
Asheville/Mountain Region
- Mountain BizWorks: CDFi providing microloans and grants to underserved entrepreneurs
- Venture Asheville: Startup ecosystem support
- Appalachian Regional Commission grants for mountain counties
What NC Commerce's Website Doesn't Tell You About North Carolina Small Business Grants
NC Commerce promotes the state's business climate, workforce, and quality of life. Here's what the promotional materials leave out.
According to NC Commerce data from the 2026 county tier rankings (opens in a new tab), 18 counties changed tier designations for 2026, and those tiers affect OneNC, Building Reuse, water and sewer infrastructure grants, and JDIG terms.
First, North Carolina's incentive structure heavily favors larger companies. The One NC Fund, JDIG, and other headline programs are designed for deals involving hundreds of new jobs and millions in capital investment. Small businesses with 5, 10, or 25 employees are largely invisible to these programs. If you're a typical small business, focus on NC IDEA, Golden LEAF (if you're in an eligible county), local programs, and federal grants rather than state deal-closing funds.
Second, North Carolina's county tier system (Tier 1 is most distressed, Tier 3 is most prosperous) dramatically affects available incentives. Tier 1 counties get higher tax credit rates, preferential Golden LEAF access, Building Reuse eligibility, and enhanced JDIG terms. If your business can locate in a Tier 1 county (many are in eastern NC), you'll access significantly more grant funding than in a Tier 3 county like Wake, Mecklenburg, or Guilford.
Third, NC IDEA is genuinely one of the best startup grant programs in the Southeast, but it's competitive. NC IDEA's own data shows SEED award rates of 3% to 5%, and the selection committee prioritizes scalable technology companies with clear market validation. Lifestyle businesses, restaurants, retail shops, and service companies typically don't match NC IDEA's investment criteria. Know your fit before investing time in the application.
Finally, the NC Biotechnology Center is an underappreciated resource for life science companies. It provides small business research loans, technology development grants, and connections to the Research Triangle's life science ecosystem. If your company has a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, or agricultural biotechnology component, the BioCenter should be your first call after SBIR/STTR.
Best Fit and Bad Fit Checklist for North Carolina Small Business Grants
| Business Situation | Best Route | Fit Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Company can create 50+ jobs and has local government support | One North Carolina Fund or JDIG | Strong fit |
| Rural project uses vacant building and creates jobs | Building Reuse Program | Strong fit |
| Startup has MVP and scalable market | NC IDEA SEED | Strong fit |
| Federal SBIR/STTR applicant or winner | One NC Small Business incentive or match | Strong fit |
| Business wants direct Golden LEAF cash | Bad fit | Partner with local government or nonprofit |
| Lifestyle business with no job-creation or R&D plan | Bad fit for state incentives | Use SBTDC, CDFI, or local loan routes |
Before applying, confirm current county tier, applicant type, and funding route in Grantsights grant database, then compare rural small business grants, small business grants, and grants for manufacturing.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step for North Carolina Small Business Grants
For NC IDEA Grants
- Visit ncidea.org and review current MICRO and SEED guidelines
- Confirm your company is for-profit and headquartered in North Carolina
- Submit your application during an open Spring or Fall cycle (the Fall 2026 window closed August 24, 2026)
- If invited, participate in a pitch presentation (SEED) or interview (MICRO)
- Receive funds upon selection (no repayment, no equity)
- Submit progress reports on milestones
For Golden LEAF Grants
- Visit goldenleaf.org and confirm your county is eligible
- Identify the program that matches your project (Open Grants, Economic Catalyst, or SITE)
- Note: businesses don't apply directly. Work through a local government or nonprofit applicant.
- Submit application through Golden LEAF's online portal
- Golden LEAF's Board meets six times a year (February, April, June, August, October, and December); Open Grants use a two-stage process, and Stage 1 and Stage 2 decisions usually come at separate Board meetings
For SBIR/STTR
- Register at SAM.gov and get a UEI number (allow 2 to 3 weeks)
- Create an account at SBIR.gov
- Contact SBTDC's SBIR specialist for free proposal assistance
- Search open solicitations matching your technology
- Submit through the federal agency's portal
- If you win a Phase I award, apply for the One NC Small Business Matching grant
Warning: The tier reclassification trap catches businesses that don't verify their county tier before signing a performance agreement. County tiers are updated annually by NC Commerce, and a county that was Tier 1 when you started planning might be Tier 2 by the time your agreement is signed. A company can build its JDIG projections on Tier 1 incentive rates, then find out at contract signing that its county has been reclassified. Verify your county's current tier at NC Commerce's official tier list in the same month you sign.
For a broader view of North Carolina funding, see our North Carolina grants guide. For more on federal SBIR and STTR programs available nationwide, check our SBIR agencies comparison. If you are comparing a state incentive with a federal grant, use how to find grants for your nonprofit to separate discovery work from fit screening.
North Carolina Small Business Grant Amounts: Realistic Expectations
| Program | Typical Award | Competition Level |
|---|---|---|
| NC IDEA MICRO | $10,000 | High (4-10% award rate, two cycles a year) |
| NC IDEA SEED | $50,000 | Very high (3-5% award rate) |
| One NC Fund | $50,000 - $5M+ | High (negotiated, large projects) |
| Golden LEAF Open Grants | $500,000 or less | Moderate (government or nonprofit applicant) |
| NC Building Reuse | Varies by project | Moderate (Tier 1, Tier 2, and rural Tier 3 areas) |
| SBIR Phase I | Up to $305,000 at NSF; $335,937 at NIH (guideline) | High (15-25% win rate) |
| One NC Small Business Match | 50% of a Phase I award, up to $75,000 | Moderate (for Phase I winners) |
| NC BioCenter loans | Varies | Moderate (life science only) |
| USDA RBDG | $10,000 - $500,000 | Moderate for rural areas |
| Local city grants | $5,000 - $50,000 | Varies by program |
The honest assessment: North Carolina's best small business grants are NC IDEA for startups, Golden LEAF for rural communities, and SBIR with the state's Phase I match for tech companies. If you're a non-tech, non-rural small business, focus on local programs, the SBTDC's free advising, and federal grants.
Related Guides
- Grants For Manufacturing
- South Carolina Small Business Grants
- North Carolina Housing Grants
- North Carolina Education Grants
Sources
- North Carolina Department of Commerce: commerce.nc.gov (opens in a new tab)
- Golden LEAF Foundation: goldenleaf.org (opens in a new tab)
- NC IDEA: ncidea.org (opens in a new tab)
- NC SBTDC: sbtdc.org (opens in a new tab)
- SBIR/STTR Programs: sbir.gov (opens in a new tab)
- NC Biotechnology Center: ncbiotech.org (opens in a new tab)
- USDA Rural Development North Carolina: rd.usda.gov/nc (opens in a new tab)
- One North Carolina Fund: commerce.nc.gov (opens in a new tab)
- NC Commerce 2026 County Tier Rankings: commerce.nc.gov (opens in a new tab)
- NC Commerce Renew NC Commercial District Revitalization Program: commerce.nc.gov (opens in a new tab)
- NC Commerce One North Carolina Small Business Program: commerce.nc.gov (opens in a new tab)
- NC Commerce FY2026 Incentive Program Solicitation: commerce.nc.gov (opens in a new tab)
- NC Commerce FY2026 Matching Program Solicitation: commerce.nc.gov (opens in a new tab)
- NC Commerce Small Business Week 2026 release: commerce.nc.gov (opens in a new tab)
Route check
Compare North Carolina grants with loans and free help
North Carolina grants are competitive and often tied to a place or an industry. See SBA loans and microloans, free SBDC advising and the federal grants a business can apply for itself.
Free. No payment on this step.
Next steps
Where to go next
These next pages help you move from research into a specific grant choice.
NC grant map
Separate public, nonprofit, small-business, disaster-recovery, rural, and education routes.
SBIR route
Use when the firm has technical risk, federal agency mission fit, and R&D evidence.
Rural business route
Check USDA, local-government sponsor, and rural economic-development paths before OneNC.
Search NC grants
Compare current North Carolina and federal grants after applicant type is clear.
Federal Program Records to Compare
Use these current program records to check eligibility, award history, deadlines, and past winners before your team commits writing time.
- Oral Diseases and Disorders Research - SBIR/STTRHHS · Closed
- Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase IIHHS · Upcoming
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, Phase IHHS · Upcoming
- NOAA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) ProgramDOC · Open
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) ProgramUSDA · Open
Frequently Asked Questions
What small business grants are available in North Carolina?
North Carolina offers several grant and incentive programs for small businesses. The One North Carolina Fund provides negotiated grants for job creation, with the amount set by jobs, investment, and location. Golden LEAF funds governments and nonprofits for economic development in tobacco-dependent and rural communities, with Open Grants of $500,000 or less. NC Commerce's Building Reuse Program funds local governments renovating vacant buildings in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties and rural Tier 3 census tracts. The One North Carolina Small Business Program reimburses up to $12,000 of Phase I proposal costs and matches 50% of a federal Phase I SBIR/STTR award up to $75,000; FY2027 applications are open until June 30, 2027 or until funds run out. Federal SBIR/STTR grants bring $150,000 to $2.15 million per award. Local programs in Charlotte, Raleigh, and the Research Triangle add additional funding options.
What is the Golden LEAF Foundation?
The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit that distributes half of North Carolina's share of the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with tobacco companies. Golden LEAF funds projects in North Carolina's tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and rural communities. Its three standard grant programs are Open Grants (awards of $500,000 or less), Economic Catalyst, and SITE, and it also runs scholarship programs. For small businesses, Golden LEAF funds projects that create jobs, support entrepreneurship, and build economic infrastructure in eligible communities. The foundation prioritizes counties that were historically dependent on tobacco farming and manufacturing.
How does the One North Carolina Fund work?
The One North Carolina Fund is the Governor's primary deal-closing grant for economic development projects. It provides discretionary grants to local governments as incentives for companies creating jobs in North Carolina. NC Commerce sets each award based on jobs created, investment, location, and the project's importance to the state or region, and local governments must provide a match that varies by county tier. Unlike a standard application process, One NC Fund grants are negotiated as part of larger incentive packages when companies are choosing between states for new facilities or expansions. Local governments apply on behalf of the company, and funds pass through the local government to the business. Most One NC Fund deals involve projects much larger than a typical small business expansion.
Are there North Carolina grants for minority-owned businesses?
North Carolina has several programs supporting minority-owned businesses. The NC HUB office certifies minority, women, and disadvantaged businesses for state contracting preferences. The SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program is supported by NC SBTDC advisors throughout the state. The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center serves NC entrepreneurs. NC IDEA's grant programs don't restrict by demographic but have funded diverse entrepreneurs. The Carolina Small Business Development Fund and Mountain BizWorks provide microloans and grants to underserved entrepreneurs. Charlotte, Durham, and Greensboro also run city-level programs targeting minority businesses.
Can startups get grants in North Carolina with no revenue?
Pre-revenue startups in North Carolina have more options than many states. NC IDEA provides two key programs: NC IDEA SEED grants ($50,000 for early-stage startups) and NC IDEA MICRO grants ($10,000 for very early-stage companies). These are among the few state-affiliated programs nationally that provide direct non-dilutive funding to pre-revenue startups. SBIR/STTR Phase I grants (up to $305,000 at NSF) are available to tech startups through federal agencies. First Flight Venture Center and other Research Triangle incubators offer some non-dilutive support. North Carolina's One NC Small Business Program matches 50% of a federal Phase I award, up to $75,000. For most pre-revenue startups, NC IDEA SEED combined with SBIR applications is the strongest path.
Last updated November 4, 2026. Corrected November 4, 2026: what changed. Published by Grantsights from public sources. See our editorial policy, how we build and check guides, corrections and how we make money.
Related Guides
Alabama Small Business Grants 2026: What's Open
Alabama small business grants 2026: Launchpad pays $75,000 or $100,000, Innovate Alabama adds up to $250,000 to SBIR awards, plus LendAL loans.
Alaska Small Business Grants 2026: What's Open Now
Alaska small business grants in 2026: few open grants, $20,000 Path to Prosperity awards, state microloans to $35,000, and SSBCI guarantees up to 50%.
Arizona Small Business Grants 2026: Funding Guide
Arizona small business funding for 2026: ACA incentives, SBIR Phase I awards up to $305,000 at NSF, SBA, tribal business, and USDA rural programs.
Arkansas Small Business Grants 2026: What's Open Now
Arkansas small business grants in 2026: TTAG pays up to $3,750 for manufacturing tech help, plus Create Rebate cash for hiring, ADFA loan guarantees.
California Small Business Grants 2026: What's Open Now
California small business grants open in 2026: ETP training funds up to $650,000 a contract, California Competes credits, and IBank loan guarantees.
Colorado Small Business Grants 2026: What's Open Now
Colorado small business grants open in 2026: Denver BIO grants up to $15,000, export grants up to $15,000, EV charger funds, and Rural Jump-Start.