MCEDP

PINEHURST, NC – The Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) is now accepting applications for the Moore County Small Business Impact Grant Program, funded by a $25,000 grant from Duke Energy Foundation.

Program Guidelines & Application

Spanish Version of Guidelines & Application (Subvención SBI Condado de Moore 2026)

The program provides reimbursement-based microgrants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to help small businesses in Moore County strengthen their operations and contribute to local economic vitality.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Duke Energy Foundation to provide this vital support to Moore County’s small business community,” said Darryn Burich, Business Development Director at MCEDP. “These grants will help local businesses make the strategic investments they need to thrive and grow.”

Eligible businesses include retail, restaurant, and service-based businesses with a current storefront presence in Moore County. Businesses must be locally owned and independently operated, legally incorporated, and have 50 or fewer employees.

Grant funds may be used for interior improvements and fixtures, storefront beautification and exterior renovations, equipment purchases, technology upgrades, strategic inventory purchases, marketing and advertising materials, website development and e-commerce platforms, health and safety upgrades, accessibility improvements and workforce development initiatives. “These types of improvements will enhance business sustainability, help create jobs, and revitalize commercial properties throughout Moore County,” said Burich.

The program is reimbursement-based, meaning businesses must pay for eligible expenses first and then submit proper documentation before reimbursement is issued. Grant funds cannot be used for salaries, payroll, incentive pay, rent, mortgage or utility expenses.

Applications must be received by MCEDP by 3:00 pm on Friday, February 27, 2026. Businesses may submit applications in person at Moore County Economic Development Partnership, 15 Chinquapin Road, 2nd Floor, Pinehurst, NC 28374, or by mail to PO Box 5885, Pinehurst, NC 28370-5885. Mailed applications must be postmarked by February 27, 2026.

Award recipients will be announced on or before March 30, 2026. All projects must be completed by December 1, 2026.

The Program Guidelines and application for the Moore County Small Business Impact Grant can be accessed on the MCEDP website at this link: Program Guidelines & Application.  A Spanish version of the Guidelines and application (Subvención SBI Condado de Moore 2026) is also available. Questions may be directed to Darryn Burich at 910.252.9457 or dburich@moorecountyedp.org.

For more information about 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.

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