MCEDP

[Pinehurst, NC] – Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Duke Energy Foundation to launch the Moore County Small Business Impact Grant Program. The program will provide microgrants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to approximately 12-20 retail, restaurant, and service businesses across Moore County for storefront improvements, equipment purchases, technology upgrades, and other business enhancements.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Duke Energy Foundation to provide direct support to Moore County’s small business owners,” said Darryn Burich, Business Development Director at MCEDP.

Key goals of the Moore County Small Business Impact Grant Program include:

• Provide support for small businesses across all of Moore County, while prioritizing funding to the communities of Robbins, Vass, Pinebluff, Taylortown, Carthage, and Cameron.
• Prioritize funding for minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned enterprises.
• Enhance the vibrancy and economic vitality of downtown areas, commercial corridors, and rural business centers.
• Stimulate local economic growth through strategic investments in retail, restaurant, and service businesses.
• Create visible improvements to storefronts and business infrastructure.

Applications will be accepted from January 15 through February 27, 2026, with awards announced on or before March 30, 2026.

“Supporting small businesses boosts local economic activity, which has a positive impact on the communities and customers we serve,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s state president for North Carolina. “We’re proud to work alongside our community partners to help entrepreneurs and local businesses make their dreams a reality.”

“This $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation is an investment in the backbone of Moore County’s economy. Small businesses are more than just employers—they’re the heart of our community, creating local jobs, supporting families, and giving our small towns their unique character,” said MCEDP President Natalie Hawkins. “These funds will be used to help local entrepreneurs expand their operations, upgrade their facilities, and better serve their customers. We’re extremely grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for their commitment to empowering small business owners who make our community thrive.”

Interested businesses can contact Darryn Burich, MCEDP Business Development Director, at dburich@moorecountyedp.org for more information and application details.

For more information on the Duke Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.foundation.duke-energy.com.

Moore County Economic Development Partnership is a 501c(3) not-for-profit economic development organization and public-private partnership serving all of Moore County, NC. MCEDP’s mission is to “increase economic prosperity and improve the quality of life for Moore County’s citizens through the creation of quality jobs and capital investment in our communities.” To enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem, MCEDP facilitated Moore County being designated a Certified Entrepreneurial Community® in 2022 and provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses.

For more information about MCEDP, visit www.moorecountyedp.org.

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