Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Duke Energy Foundation to launch the Moore County Small Business Impact Grant Program. The program will provide microgrants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to approximately 12-20 retail, restaurant and service businesses across Moore County for storefront improvements, equipment purchases, technology upgrades and other business enhancements.

“Supporting small businesses boosts local economic activity, which has a positive impact on the communities and customers we serve,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s state president for North Carolina, in a press release. “We’re proud to work alongside our community partners to help entrepreneurs and local businesses make their dreams a reality.”

Key goals of the Moore County Small Business Impact Grant Program include:

1. Provide support for small businesses across all of Moore County, while prioritizing funding to the communities of Robbins, Vass, Pinebluff, Taylortown, Carthage and Cameron.
2. Prioritize funding for minority-owned, women-owned and Veteran-owned enterprises.
3. Enhance the vibrancy and economic vitality of downtown areas, commercial corridors and rural business centers.
4. Stimulate local economic growth through strategic investments in retail, restaurant and service businesses.
5. Create visible improvements to storefronts and business infrastructure. Applications will be accepted from Feb. 1 through Mar. 31, 2026, with awards announced in April.

"This $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation is an investment in the backbone of Moore County's economy. Small businesses are more than just employers—they're the heart of our community, creating local jobs, supporting families, and giving our small towns their unique character,” said MCEDP President Natalie Hawkins in a press release. “These funds will be used to help local entrepreneurs expand their operations, upgrade their facilities, and better serve their customers. We're extremely grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for their commitment to empowering small business owners who make our community thrive."

Interested businesses can contact MCEDP Business Development Director Darryn Burich at dburich@moorecountyedp.org for more information and application details.