The Orange County Business Investment Grant Program is designed to stimulate the growth and expansion of non-farm businesses within Orange County. This program prioritizes ventures that demonstrate a clear need for grant funding to expand their operations, hire staff, increase the commercial tax base, or create significant economic and social impacts within the county.

The program offers three types of grants based on the operational history and financial stage of the applicant. Start-Up Grants of up to $1,500 are available for businesses that have been in operation for six months or less, have not yet generated revenue, and are receiving business counseling from organizations such as Launch Chapel Hill, the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), SCORE, or Durham Tech Small Business Center. Small Grants, ranging from $1,500.01 to $5,000, are targeted at businesses that have been operational and generating revenue for at least six months. Large Grants, ranging from $5,000.01 to $10,000, are intended for businesses that have been operational and generating revenue for at least one year. Applicants seeking large grants must submit additional financial documentation and a formal business plan. Exceptional applications that demonstrate extraordinary circumstances may receive amounts exceeding the program’s standard maximum, subject to the Subcommittee's review and the availability of funds.

The program strongly encourages applications from women- and BIPOC-owned businesses and partners with local organizations to provide assistance with the application process. Interested applicants can seek support from SCORE Chapel Hill, the SBTDC at UNC Chapel Hill, and the Small Business Center at Durham Technical Community College. These organizations offer business counseling, plan development, and documentation support to help applicants prepare competitive submissions.

Applications are accepted annually with a deadline of December 31st. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the Orange County Economic Development Department for assistance in navigating the process or connecting with partner organizations. Questions can be directed to edcmail@orangecountync.gov or by calling 919-245-2325.

This program highlights Orange County’s commitment to supporting small business growth and fostering economic development, with a specific focus on equitable access to funding for underrepresented business owners. Entrepreneurs at all stages are encouraged to leverage the available resources to prepare their applications and successfully compete for funding.