Duke Energy invests $500,000 to help small businesses grow across North Carolina

By Staff Report, posted Aug 27, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

The Duke Energy Foundation is providing $500,000 in grants to North Carolina organizations that help small businesses start, grow and thrive.

“Small businesses are woven into the fabric of our communities. They’re the restaurants where neighbors gather, the childcare centers that help parents stay in the workforce and the downtown storefronts that give a town its identity,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “By working through trusted partners, we’re helping entrepreneurs access the resources they need to grow, create jobs and continue serving the people who depend on them every day.”

A total of $25,000 in grants have been awarded to 20 nonprofits that will

provide microgrants to individual small businesses from the mountains to the coast.

Funded projects will reflect the unique needs of local communities, such as supporting downtown revitalization and storefront improvements, helping businesses invest in equipment, technology and e-commerce capabilities or providing mentorship, technical assistance or business training.

The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal has already been notified of several awards impacting our coverage area including:

Dunn Area Chamber Foundation (Harnett County)
Forever Bonded (Edgecombe, Wilson, Johnston, Pitt, Nash, Cumberland, New Hanover and Wake counties)
Fayetteville Technical Community College Foundation (Cumberland County)
Greater Fayetteville Chamber Foundation (Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke and surrounding counties)
Partners for Children & Families (Moore County)
Western Sampson Commerce Group (Sampson County)

We look forward to providing coverage of these grants as the organizations begin to connect and share their plans.

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