North Wilkesboro, N.C. – The Wilkes Economic Development Corporation (Wilkes EDC) is thrilled to announce receiving a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation. This generous contribution will support entrepreneurs in Wilkes County through the Wilkes EDC’s Downtown Boro’s Small Business Grant Program, specifically targeting businesses within the downtown areas of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro.
This funding marks a significant step in fostering local economic growth. In place of the Fall 2024 Entrepreneur Grant Program, the new Downtown Boro’s Small Business Grant Program will be launched to empower existing and expanding businesses operating for over a year in the downtown areas. The program will enable businesses to apply for grants of up to $5,000, which can be used to enhance their operations in various ways, including:
- Modifying equipment and physical space
- Improving e-commerce capabilities for online sales
- Expanding the capacity to deliver goods and services
Eligible expenditures include essential equipment or tools needed for business growth, while expenses such as payroll, rent, and utilities are excluded.
Wilkes EDC President LeeAnn Nixon expressed her gratitude, stating, “Wilkes EDC is thankful to be a recipient of Duke Energy Foundation’s Small Business Grant Program. We look forward to collaborating with Duke Energy, Wilkes Community College’s Small Business Center, and those who will serve on a panel of judges. Together, we will ensure the funds strengthen small businesses in the Boros of downtown, Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro.”
Wilkes EDC’s Entrepreneur Grant Program has a rich history of supporting local businesses. Since its inception in 2015, the program has aided 80 businesses, awarding a total of $165,780. With a success rate of longevity close to 90%, the program continues to be a vital resource for business owners, thanks to the dedicated efforts of judges and program sponsors. Collaboration with Wilkes Community College’s Small Business Center (SBC), under the guidance of Director Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, ensures that businesses are well-prepared for the application process.
Jimmy Flythe, a representative of Duke Energy, shared his enthusiasm: “Duke Energy is excited to assist small businesses in Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro. We are grateful to have Wilkes EDC be a part of this $700,000 statewide initiative.”
Duke Energy Foundation’s Commitment:
- On August 15th, Duke Energy Foundation announced new funding opportunities totaling $700,000 for North Carolina small businesses in partnership with community development organizations.
- Small business grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 will be distributed through 20 community organizations.
- Grants will support retail shops, restaurants, and other small enterprises looking to expand, upgrade technology, and enhance downtown storefronts.
- Since 2020, the program has been a resounding success, distributing $2 million in grants to small businesses.
- The Duke Energy Foundation is committed to enhancing communities across North Carolina through volunteerism, philanthropy, and community development efforts.
- Click here to read Duke Energy Foundation’s Press Release for Small Business Grants.
Stay informed about Downtown Boro’s Small Business Grant Program and other initiatives by subscribing to our newsletter at WilkesEDC.com or following us on social media: Facebook @WilkesNCEDC, Instagram @WilkesEconDev, and LinkedIn. More information will be available soon at WilkesEDC.com.
ABOUT
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.
The Wilkes Economic Development Corporation, a 501c3 public-private partnership, aims to facilitate the creation of new jobs and capital investment in Wilkes County through the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the recruitment of new businesses. The EDC is located at 213 Ninth Street in historic downtown North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. For more information about Wilkes EDC, visit www.WilkesEDC.com or contact LeeAnn Nixon at 336-838-1501 or lnixon@wilkesedc.com.
# # #
###
