More News

NC IDEA announces grant recipients at 2021 Ecosystem Summit

By Staff Report, posted 3 years ago

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. 

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

Building on the basics: Advanced Contractors Academy equips local firms to compete for government projects

The Advanced Contractors Academy, a free six-week program, is designed for established contractors ready to pursue larger-scale public contracts with agencies such as Fayetteville State University (FSU), Cumberland County and Cape Fear Valley Health.


Hungry for success: Local entrepreneur Kelton Battle is changing the vending machine game in North Carolina

Today, Hungry Snacks Vending operates 140 machines across North Carolina, with locations ranging from schools to public transit stations.


Too bright to dim: My Future So Bright program sees exponential growth during third year

 A total of 84 interns participated in this year’s My Future So Bright program. At the graduation ceremony held on Aug. 1, each student was able to receive their graduation certificates from Mid-Carolina Regional Council Executive Director Saman