Fayetteville State University was one of five Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the state to receive a $150,000 grant from NC IDEA and the NC Black Entrepreneurship Council in mid- December.
“Under the leadership of the NC Black Entrepreneurship Council, our call to fund the entrepreneurial aspirations of North Carolina’s HBCUs affirms NC IDEA’s ambition to expand equitable economic empowerment with entrepreneurship,” said Thom Ruhe, CEO and President of NC IDEA, in a press release. “Equitable entrepreneurship is vital to our economic recovery. Partnering with these five institutions creates greater opportunities for access, exposure and networks for our state’s historically underserved population.”
The grant recipients were chosen from a competitive process that invited the State’s accredited HBCUs to submit proposals supporting the entrepreneurial potential of students, faculty, alums, and the communities they serve. With this effort, the HBCUs identified the positions, programs, grants, or services they have determined to be the greatest need in serving entrepreneurial ambitions and success.
“These grants will help to strengthen North Carolina HBCUs ecosystems,” said Terik Tidwell, Director of Inclusive Innovation at VentureWell and member of the Executive Committee of the NC BEC, in a press release. “The Council looks forward to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation on the campuses of these exceptional institutions,” Tidwell added.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
