City expands economic development resources for local businesses

By Staff Report, posted Jul 7, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

Graphic courtesy of the City of Fayetteville

The City of Fayetteville is expanding resources available to local businesses through a series of updated economic development programs designed to make it easier for businesses and commercial property owners to invest, grow and revitalize key commercial corridors throughout the City.

City Council recently approved updates to the City's economic development incentive programs, creating a more flexible and targeted set of tools that supports small businesses, commercial reinvestment and redevelopment projects.

The newly launched Can Do Economic Development Programs have been expanded to serve eligible businesses and commercial property owners citywide, creating more opportunities for investment in commercial properties across Fayetteville. At the same time, the programs remain strategically focused on advancing redevelopment within the Council Priority Redevelopment Areas, ensuring continued investment in corridors identified as critical to the City's long-term economic growth and revitalization.

The following programs are designed to help businesses and commercial property owners improve storefronts and exterior spaces, reinvest in existing buildings and encourage redevelopment along important commercial corridors:

Can Do CORE Grant Program: Helps strengthen Fayetteville's Commercial corridors by supporting small business exterior improvements that enhance appearance, attract investment, create jobs and build community pride.
Can Do BOOST Loan Program: Provides businesses the financing boost they need to acquire property and either build new or renovate.
Can-Do EDGE Grant Program: Supports larger commercial improvement projects that drive corridor revitalization, attract private investment, improve commercial properties and create jobs.

Priority redevelopment areas include major gateways and commercial corridors such as Raeford Road, Bragg Boulevard, Murchison Road, Ramsey Street, Eastern Boulevard, Gillespie Street, Cedar Creek Road, Clinton Road and Downtown Fayetteville.

"These updates give us stronger, more practical tools to support the businesses and property owners who are investing in Fayetteville," said Economic and Community Development Director Christopher Cauley in a press release. "Our goal is to remove barriers, encourage reinvestment and help create vibrant commercial corridors that strengthen neighborhoods, attract new investment and support long-term economic growth."

Business owners will have four opportunities each year to apply for funding through the City's economic development programs.

Applications will be accepted July 1–30, October 1–30, January 1–30 and May 1–30.

The program updates follow a comprehensive review by the City's Economic and Community Development Department to evaluate existing incentives, gather feedback and better align available resources with the needs of Fayetteville's business community and redevelopment priorities.

As part of the department's continued commitment to economic development, staff have also earned nationally and statewide recognized professional certifications that strengthen the City's ability to support business recruitment, redevelopment and investment.

Economic Development Manager Derrick McArthur recently earned the North Carolina Certified Economic Developer designation through the North Carolina Economic Development Association. Cauley also earned the Certified Economic Developer designation from the International Economic Development Council, one of the profession's highest credentials.

"These certifications strengthen our ability to serve the business community," Cauley added in a press release. "Economic development requires expertise in finance, redevelopment, community development and business growth. Continuing to invest in our staff allows us to provide better guidance, stronger programs and more effective solutions for Fayetteville."

Business owners interested in applying or learning more about available economic development resources can visit FayettevilleNC.gov/CanDoPrograms for program details, eligibility requirements and application information.

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