The Community Development Foundation, in partnership with the City of Fayetteville and Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, has announced the first two companies receiving funding from the Can Do Performance Financing Program.
During the June 9 City Council Regular Meeting, the owners of A & A Holdings Corporation and Maybridge Development each presented their planned projects to the City Council. After the required public hearing was held, both were approved unanimously by the council.
“This initiative not only empowers individuals with valuable expertise but also facilitates the growth of our business within the local economy,” said owner of A & A Holdings Corporation Ashley Johnson in a press release, who received $125,000 in funding. “By investing in workforce development, we aim to strengthen community ties and enhance opportunities for sustainable employment.”
The second candidate, Latisha Perkins, owner of Maybridge Development, was awarded $300,000 to create 12 jobs. “At Maybridge, our focus is on creating jobs, training underserved residents, and building affordable, resilient homes. This investment drives long-term economic growth and a more inclusive construction industry,” stated Perkins in a press release.
Funded by a one-time grant from the State of North Carolina and the City of Fayetteville, the program is designed to reduce barriers to capital for businesses located in Low-to-Moderate Income Census Tracts, especially those with women, Veteran and minority ownership. Companies that will provide services to governmental and institutional partners, as well as those in the aerospace, technology, defense and cybersecurity receive heightened consideration.
“These companies are examples that the Can Do Funding Program is a great partnership with our local businesses who are committed to investing, hiring and expanding in our community,” said City of Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin in a press release. “The City is committed to getting resources to these businesses, which will have the greatest impact in our community. The return we will see on this city and state investment will be tremendous.”
The next round of funding will open June 26, 2025, and will run through July 11, 2025, unless noted otherwise. Those interested in learning more about the program’s qualifications and parameters are encouraged to attend an information session on June 25 at 6:00 p.m. at the Fayetteville Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur & Business HUB located at 1073 Murchison Road, Fayetteville, NC 28301. Register online at
. Anyone unable to attend in person may email candofund@fcedc.com to receive more information.
The project, named Camden Commons, features a sprawling mixed-use development campus ready-made for new business at the intersection of Camden and Rockfish Roads. A Super Target store has been announced as one of the anchor tenants on the site.
GRAPHIC PROVIDED BY BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUIn the fall of 2025, I was approached to be a judge for the Better Business Bureau’s 2026 award series. Like many of you in the community, I didn’t realize that the BBB had its own awards, and I was excited t
As the director of the FSU HUB, Dr. Tamara Colvin is responsible for strategic and operational leadership to provide impactful support to emerging entrepreneurs and existing small businesses. Photo provided by Colvin.Fayetteville Cumberland Regional
