Wilkes EDC's Entrepreneur Grant Program

Wilkes EDC Entrepreneur Grant Program

Looking to expand your existing business or start a new one in Wilkes County? The Wilkes EDC Entrepreneur Grant Program is here to help!
We’re offering funds to support Existing Business Expansions and those planning to Start a Business in Wilkes County, where businesses have the potential to win up $6,000!

Here’s how it works:
Applicants submit a simple business plan and a financial summary that outline how the grant funds will be used to grow or launch their business. Additionally, you’ll create a 3-minute pitch video explaining your request.

⏳ 2026 Spring Grant Cycle Deadline: Friday, March 27th
Selected participants will be invited to deliver a full presentation to a panel of judges.
The Initial Application updates each cycle, but the rest of the materials are always available, so you can start your application today! No need to wait until the next cycle.

Program Sponsors

Want to sponsor a Grant Program cycle? Submit our investor form today.

Sponsor Today

Ready to Apply?

Click below to get started on your application materials! The Business Plan, Financial Summary, and Video Pitch must be emailed to our Marketing Manager, Francisco Martinez, at info@WilkesEDC.com. You will receive a confirmation email within 1-2 business days of receiving your application material and notification of any outstanding items or questions. Please get in touch with our office at (336) 838-1501 with questions about application materials.

Laurie Brintle-Jarvis

Director of Small Business Center
P: 336-838-6166
lsbrintle336@wilkescc.edu

Need help with your application materials?

Contact Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, Director of the Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College. DON’T WAIT! Schedule your appointment today for assistance with your application materials.
Past Entrepreneurial Grant recipients were able to deliver stronger applications and are more likely to sustain long-term by connecting with the Small Business Center.

Request SBC Assistance

Before completing this section, please review our guidelines on eligible uses of funds (click to quickly scroll to the guidelines).

Initial Application

Please complete our initial application form for the Entrepreneur Grant Program. This will notify our team that you have started your application. You may proceed with the next application materials. Please allow 1-2 business days for a confirmation email from our Marketing Manager.

Business Plan

Click the button below to download and complete our Simple Business Plan. This document is required in order for you application to be considered complete.

Download Business Plan

Financial Summary

Click below to download and complete the Financial Summary Document, updated by our resource partner Insightful Financials. This document is required for your application to be considered complete.
A walkthrough video is also available to guide you through the document. View the video below the button.
For further assistance or coaching, please visit the Small Business Center page to book your appointment.

Download Financial Summary

Video Pitch

A business pitch is your opportunity to showcase your business, product, or solution with a clear plan, emphasizing its benefits for Wilkes County. Keep it short, focused, and simple. Record it on your smartphone if needed. It is all about the content.
Address the Following Points in 3 Minutes:

Where are you based, and what is the location of your business?
Existing businesses: How long have you been operating?
Describe your business idea, solution, or product.
How would you use the grant funds if awarded?
What solution does your business provide to meet the needs of Wilkes County?

How to Share Your Video

Upload your video to a platform of your choice, such as:
- YouTube (set privacy to Unlisted)
- Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox (set permissions to Anyone with the link can view)
- Vimeo (set privacy so anyone with the link can view)
- Other services are welcome, as long as you can share a link
Email your video link to Info@WilkesEDC.com with the subject line:
Entrepreneur Grant – [Your Business Name] Video Submission

Please do not send video files as attachments. They are often too large and cannot be received. Only send the link.

Helpful Guides

The Wilkes EDC Marketing Manager is available to answer any technical questions you may have regarding your video submission. Click here to send an email or call 336-838-1501.

Guidelines for the Entrepreneur Grant Program

Who is eligible to apply for this grant program?

This program is open to new or existing businesses that are registered and operating within Wilkes County. If you are unsure about your registration status or need assistance becoming a registered business, visit the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State website at https://www.sosnc.gov for detailed guidance on business registration requirements.

How much can I receive from this program?

Grant recipients can receive up to $6,000 through the Entrepreneur Grant Program. Funds will be available for withdrawal within one year of the award date. To access the grant, recipients must provide receipts or documentation of purchased items or services approved by the program’s judging panel. Once reviewed and approved by Wilkes EDC, the funds will be released.

What are eligible uses of grant funds?

Funding may be used to modify equipment or physical space, improve e-commerce capabilities for online sales, or expand capacity for delivering goods and services. Expenditures may include furniture for expanded seating, renovations, accessibility compliance, and other equipment or tools needed to grow the small business successfully. Payroll, rent, inventory, and utilities are NOT eligible expenses.

Can a nonprofit apply?

This grant program is specifically designed to support for-profit businesses.

Can I reapply if I’m not selected?

Yes, you may reapply if you are not selected. However, if you have previously received a grant from this program, we ask that you wait one full grant cycle before submitting a new application. Please note that applicants who have received two or more grants from this program may experience reduced eligibility in future cycles due to the volume of applications and limited funding. In these cases, priority may be given to new applicants, depending on the number of applications received in each cycle.

Who can I contact for questions or assistance with my application?

For assistance with your application materials, including the initial application, business plans, and financial summaries, we encourage you to contact Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, Director of the Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College. The Small Business Center has helped past grant recipients strengthen their applications and improve their chances of long-term success. To schedule an appointment, please contact Laurie at 336-838-6166.

For further questions or assistance with submitting your application, please contact Marketing Manager Francisco Martinez at info@WilkesEDC.com or (336) 838-1501 ext. 3.

Please Note: Submitting an application does not guarantee the allocation of any grant funds or other benefits associated with this project, regardless of approval status. The Wilkes Economic Development Corporation (EDC) does not endorse any applicant for this program and will not be held liable for any claims to the contrary.