NC IDEA announced at their 2021 Ecosystem Summit the winners for their NC IDEA SEED grants, including one business based in Fayetteville.
“Today we announced the most ever (nine) SEED grants awarded in one cycle, along with fifteen new partnerships, under the auspice of our ECOSYSTEM Partner Program, intended to further strengthen the infrastructure supporting North Carolina entrepreneurs,” said Thom Ruhe, CEO and president of NC IDEA.
The SEED grants are $50,000 a piece, and offer small companies who receive them the opportunity for faster growth.
“We are empowering entrepreneurs to reach their full potential by funding them directly and working in partnership with others that support their efforts when they need it most. These awards are yet another direct investment in the equitable startup ecosystems of North Carolina that so many people depend upon. It is a fitting way to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week,” Ruhe concluded.
After three months of competing for the grants, Sani, a South Asian inspired fashion line in Fayetteville, was among the winners.
In addition to the awarding of the seed grants, fifteen Regional Impact Grants were awarded. “This particular grant program intends to strengthen the infrastructure supporting North Carolina entrepreneurs via collaboration and the sharing of resources and networks. Several of the partnerships focused on elevating Black entrepreneurship were funded under the leadership of the North Carolina Black Entrepreneurship Council,” the press release said.
Of the fifteen recipients of Regional Impact Grants, two were in GFBJ’s coverage area. For the Eastern NC region’s recipients, Campbell University was among four recipients. For the Wilmington/Coastal NC and Sandhills Region, UNCP Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub was one of three recipients.
This is the first year of the Veteran Business Expo, and it grew out of Fayetteville PWC’s Economic Impact Program, which focuses on expanding access and opportunity in public-sector contracting while strengthening the local economy. It builds off th
Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Carolyn Kleinert and Jolene Kleinert. They are certified apiarists and sell honey, candles made with beeswax, soaps and other crafts at local farmers markets. Photos by GFBJ.Lynle
Big T’s has been a local favorite of Hope Mills since 2000 when Timmy (Big T) and Donna Gray first opened right on Hope Mills Lake. It is a seasonal restaurant, so many of Big T’s loyal customers were happy to hear they would now be open year-round, seven days a week.
