Duke Energy Foundation has announced a new grant program totaling $500,000 to support small businesses throughout North Carolina. The initiative allows eligible nonprofit organizations to apply for grants of up to $25,000, which will be used to provide awards of up to $5,000 to individual small businesses. The funds are intended to help local businesses, such as restaurants and retail stores, with renovations, equipment purchases, technology upgrades, inventory, or other business needs.
Applications for the grants are now open and will be accepted through October 31, 2025. Nonprofit organizations interested in participating can find more information and apply on the Duke Energy Foundation’s website.
Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president, said, “Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, especially in North Carolina where they employ nearly half of the state’s workforce. Through strategic grantmaking, the Foundation helps to stimulate local economies, create jobs and foster economic growth in the communities where Duke Energy operates.”
In 2024, twenty North Carolina organizations received similar funding for small business support, including groups such as the Downtown Greensboro Foundation, the Durham Chamber Legacy Foundation, and the Caraway Foundation in Anson County. Since 2020, the Duke Energy Foundation has provided more than $2.4 million to small businesses across North Carolina.
The Duke Energy Foundation gives over $30 million annually to support communities served by Duke Energy customers. The foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
Duke Energy is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and serves 8.6 million electric utility customers across six states. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in five states. The company is investing in upgrades to its electric grid and increasing its use of cleaner energy sources, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and energy storage.
More details about Duke Energy and its initiatives can be found at duke-energy.com and on its social media platforms.
For additional information, media contacts are available, including Garrett Poorman and a 24-hour phone line at 800.559.3853.
