The Cool Spring Downtown District is among 20 nonprofit recipients of a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation. The Foundation distributed $500,000 in grants on Sept. 7 to help small businesses throughout North Carolina proceed with their ongoing recovery from economic challenges triggered by the pandemic. This is the second year Duke Energy has provided targeted grants in support of downtowns throughout the state.
“Local storefronts and businesses are the heartbeat of towns across our service territory,” said Stephen De May, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president in a press release. “Last year’s inaugural Hometown Revitalization grants showed us the difference that strategic grants can make for towns throughout North Carolina. We’re honored to partner with local nonprofits and businesses to help build more vibrant communities.”
CSDD will establish a small-business support microgrant program and deploy the funding within their local community by January 2023. The microgrants may range from $500 to $2,500 per individual business.
Cool Spring Downtown District is proud to be one of the 20 North Carolina recipients. The application for the Downtown Fayetteville Hometown Revitalization Grant will be launched by October 15, 2022.
“Through the Duke Hometown Revitalization Grant funding, Cool Spring Downtown District will be able to support the economic vitality of the many restaurants, galleries, retail, and commercial small businesses in historic Downtown Fayetteville that makes the district the beating heart of commerce and entertainment in our community,” shared President/CEO of Cool Spring Downtown District Bianca Shoneman in a press release.
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
