North Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 12 grant requests for local governments totaling $5,876,853. The grants include commitments to creating a total of 277 jobs, 71 of which were previously announced. As a result of these grants, the additional investment in these projects, from private and public sources, is expected to reach more than $43 million.
The RIA is supported by the rural economic development team at the North Carolina Department of Commerce. RIA members review and approve funding requests from local communities. Funding comes from a variety of specialized grant and loan programs offered and managed by the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Rural Economic Division, which is led by Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Reginald Speight.
“Investing in our rural communities is more than infrastructure; it's providing opportunity,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley in a press release. “Companies are looking for great places to work, live and play, and with commercial buildings and industrial sites that are ready to be activated, every corner of the state becomes the best place to do business.”
Within the greater Fayetteville area, an $80,000 grant will support the reuse of a 21,000-square-foot building in Fayetteville. Benjamin Stout Real Estate Service is expected to create 10 jobs, with an investment of $757,313.
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
