Entrepreneurial Grant Program
The Wilkes EDC Entrepreneurial Grant Program funds existing businesses for Expansion and those who plan on Starting a Business in Wilkes County. We offer this program twice a year (Spring and Fall).
The Fall 2023 Entprepreneurial Grant Program Application Period will open October 1st, 2023. Please follow us on Facebook or Instagram to say up-to-date on our program.
Applicants are to submit a simple business plan and financial summary describing how the grant funds will grow or start their business and a 3-5 minute business video pitch of their request. You are to address the following points for the video pitch:
- Who You Are & Location of Your Business
- Existing Businesses: How Long You've Been Open
- Your Business Idea/Solution/Product
- How You Would Use the Grant Funds
- What Solution it Provides to Wilkes County
The This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. is available to answer any technical questions regarding your video submission. Or contact the Wilkes EDC for general questions about the Entrepreneurial Grant Program (336) 838-1501.
Selected Participants will give a full presentation to a panel of judges.
The Wilkes Community College Small Business Center is available to all applicants for assistance with their business plans. Past Entrepreneurial Grant recipients were able to deliver stronger applications by getting connected with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at the Small Business Center.
Please understand that any business that applied cannot be guaranteed any grant proceeds or other benefits from this project, whether approved or not. The Wilkes EDC does not endorse any applicant for this program, thereby refuting any claims.
Spring 2023 Grant Program Sponsors:
For information on how your business can sponsor this program, please contact our office by phone or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fill out an Investor Form and select 'Entrepreneurial Grant' for your Fund Designation.
Spring 2023 Grant Winners
Four local businesses received Entrepreneurial Grants from the Wilkes Economic Development Corporation (EDC) at the EDC’s Board Meeting on Friday, May 12, 2023. Thanks to generous local sponsors, this grant program is held twice a year. Ten local businesses of various types applied for this year’s program representing several industry sector services, hospitality, agriculture, racing, and fitness.
Submissions were judged based on the potential funding impact on the business and the sustainability of each respective recipient. Applicants submitted a video pitch in addition to their business plans and financial summaries to give the judges an insight into their proposed use of funds. The grant amount totaled $13,500, distributed between the four winners.
Read the full Press Release here.
TwoBoros Performance Shop
TwoBoros Performance Shop is the first Late Model Stock Car Team in Wilkes County since the 1990s. The performance shop owner Seth Cohn shared that they are in the first development phase and currently have one full-time driver, Dylon Wilson. Cohn plans to expend the $6,000 grant towards equipment and safety for growing their current Driver Development program and developing a Speedway Driver Experience where racing fans could rent a car to drive around the track or accompany a professional driver on a first-hand racing experience. Stay up to date with shop by following their Facebook page: TwoBoros Performance Shop | Wilkesboro NC | Facebook
TwoBoros Performance Shop, Seth Cohn
The Lost Owl Glamping
The Lost Owl Glamping is a unique camping destination with luxury tents, geodesic domes, cabins, and tree houses. Owner, Eiryn Reynolds, came up with the idea to allow guests to enjoy the great outdoors while having a comfortable space to end the day. All units will have décor and luxury bedding, while larger units will contain coffee and tea stations with complimentary amenities for each guest. Reynolds plans to allocate her $3,000 grant towards infrastructure as they continue building the units and start on a camping store. The store will allow guests to shop for convenience items they may need during their stay without ever having to leave the site.
The Lost Owl Glamping, Eiryn Reynolds
Brushy Mountain CrossFit
Brushy Mountain CrossFit, located at 301 L St in North Wilkesboro, offers instructor-directed group classes focusing on functional fitness and promoting overall wellness. Owner, Meagan Reavis, opened Brushy Mountain CrossFit to provide a space where a community could be built centered around being healthy. The gym opened in September of 2022 and has grown faster than expected. Meagan received a grant of $3,000 for storage equipment that will allow more space in the gym for their growing community. To learn more about Brushy Mountain CrossFit, please visit www.brushymountaincrossfit.com.
Brushy Mountain CrossFit,
Meagan Reavis
Patti's Leather and Shoe Repair
Patti’s Leather and Shoe Repair moved from their Elkin location and opened their new location in North Wilkesboro in January 2023. They specialize in shoe repairs, patching, and accessory attachment or repair. They plan to offer retail products such as conditioners, waterproofing, polishes, and more for quality shoe and leather care. Owner, Patricia Miller, received a $1,500 grant and will use it towards equipment for the shop’s apprenticeship. She will continue working with Laurie Brintle-Jarvis at the Small Business Center to set up an apprenticeship program through Apprenticeship NC. Learn more about their services and get a quote today on leather and shoe repairs! Patti's Leather & Shoe Repair - Shoe Repair Shop in North Wilkesboro (business.site)
Patti's Leather and Shoe Repair, Patricia Miller
Please contact us if you have any other questions.
Entrepreneurial Grant Program - Past Grant Winners