The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners American Rescue Plan Committee met Sept. 6 to receive updates regarding the County’s aid to Small Business Economic Assistance programs and nonprofits.
The Board of Commissioners allocated $3.5 million of the County’s ARP allocation to the Small Business Assistance Program to provide small businesses with financial assistance of up to $50,000 each to address the negative impacts of the pandemic.
As of the sixth, the Board of Commissioners has approved awards for 39 of the 160 applications submitted by small businesses. County staff are currently working to finalize and execute contracts with the awardees. An additional 57 applications have been disqualified due to not meeting eligibility requirements or for not being responsive to requests for additional information, and 63 applications are currently awaiting a secondary review by staff to determine whether or not they may be funded.
The Board of Commissioners also approved the use of $3.5 million for nonprofit organizations to conduct programs and projects to help the county recover from and respond to COVID-19.
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
