MCEDP

Businesses in Robbins, Vass, Southern Pines, Cameron, Pinebluff, and Carthage selected from a competitive pool of 44 applicants

[Pinehurst, NC] – The Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) today announced six local small businesses as recipients of the Duke Energy Foundation Small Business Impact Grant Program. Selected from a competitive pool of 44 applicants, the six awardees will share $25,000 in grant funding to support business improvements, equipment purchases, and service expansions across Moore County.

The grants, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, are designed to remove financial barriers to growth for small businesses in Moore County’s communities, with particular emphasis on businesses in Robbins, Vass, Pinebluff, Taylortown, and Cameron.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for making the Small Business Impact Grant Program possible,” said Natalie Hawkins, President of the Moore County Economic Development Partnership. “These awards are a direct investment in the vitality of our local economy and reflect MCEDP’s commitment to supporting the businesses that make our communities thrive. By helping local entrepreneurs grow, innovate, and better serve their customers, we are advancing our mission to create economic prosperity and improve the quality of life for everyone in Moore County.”

“These six businesses represent the entrepreneurial spirit that makes Moore County’s small business community so strong,” said Darryn Burich, Business Development Director for MCEDP. “From agritourism and food service to veterinary care and custom manufacturing, each of these projects will create a more vibrant and resilient local economy. We are grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for making this investment in Moore County possible.”

2025 Duke Energy Foundation Small Business Impact Grant Awardees

Eliza Quinn Creates — Carthage ($5,000)

Eliza Quinn Creates in Carthage will use its $5,000 grant to purchase laser and engraving equipment, expanding its custom product offerings to include branded merchandise, signage, and promotional items. The investment not only expands the business’s own capabilities but creates a local resource for other Moore County businesses seeking collaborative production support.

James Creek Cider House — Cameron ($5,000)

James Creek Cider House in Cameron will use its $5,000 grant to bring fresh food service to its tasting room, adding house-made cider doughnuts, crepes, and raclette through the purchase of commercial kitchen equipment. The expansion deepens the farm-to-table experience for visitors, draws new customers to the tasting room, and strengthens Moore County’s growing agritourism sector.

Carolina Pine Inn Bar & Grill — Pinebluff ($5,000)

Carolina Pine Inn Bar & Grill in Pinebluff will use its $5,000 grant to modernize its dining interior with commercial-grade tables, stools, and chairs, while reconfiguring its floor plan to improve guest flow, expand seating capacity, and strengthen ADA compliance. The upgrades will create a more welcoming and accessible environment for guests, supporting both the local community and Moore County’s hospitality and tourism economy.

Jerry’s Homestead Provisions/Misty Morning Ranch  — Robbins ($5,000)

Jerry’s Homestead Provisions/Misty Morning Ranch in Robbins will invest its $5,000 grant in storefront improvements designed to grow sales of ostrich meat and ostrich-based products, showcase goods from local farms, and promote agritourism in Moore County. Combined with additional investment from the business, the project represents an estimated $33,000 in total improvements.

Sandhills Spay Neuter Veterinary Clinic — Vass ($2,500)

Sandhills Spay Neuter Veterinary Clinic in Vass will use its $2,500 grant to provide core vaccination packages to lower-income households, removing a financial barrier to routine preventive care. By keeping pets healthy and reducing the need for costly interventions, the clinic strengthens the bond between animals and their owners across Moore County.

Rec Room Arcade and Bar — Southern Pines ($2,500)

Rec Room arcade and bar in Southern Pines will use its $2,500 grant to launch in-house food service with the addition of a pizza oven, creating a more complete entertainment experience for customers and building long-term business sustainability.

About Moore County Economic Development Partnership

The Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to business recruitment, retention, entrepreneurial development, and community economic growth in Moore County, North Carolina. MCEDP works with businesses, local governments, and community partners to strengthen the county’s economic base and improve quality of life for all residents.

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

About Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders. Since 2020, Duke Energy Foundation has committed over $2.4 million to supporting small businesses across North Carolina.

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