Duke Energy Foundation has announced it will distribute $500,000 in grants to support small businesses throughout North Carolina. The initiative involves 20 nonprofit organizations, each receiving a $25,000 grant. These organizations will then award up to $5,000 to individual small businesses, such as restaurants and retail stores. The funding can be used for renovations, equipment purchases, technology upgrades, inventory acquisition or other business needs.
Small businesses employ almost half of the workforce in North Carolina and are central to economic growth in the region. Since 2020, Duke Energy Foundation has allocated more than $2.4 million toward initiatives supporting small businesses.
Kendal Bowman, North Carolina state president for Duke Energy, stated: “Supporting small businesses boosts local economic activity, which has a positive impact on the communities and customers we serve. We’re proud to work alongside our community partners to help entrepreneurs and local businesses make their dreams a reality.”
Nicole J. Thompson, president and CEO of Downtown Durham Inc., said: “With Duke Energy’s support, DDI will turn business-led ideas into practical improvements that elevate safety, visibility and vitality. Upgrading the alleys that connect parking to Main Street will help storefronts shine, help create an engaging environment and attract more customers to discover all that downtown has to offer.”
Catherine Glover, executive director for Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation, commented: “With support from the Duke Energy Foundation, 10 Beaufort County small businesses will each receive a $2,500 grant to make meaningful improvements that strengthen their operations, expand their reach, and enhance their customer experience. Small businesses are the backbone of Eastern North Carolina, and this funding will help 10 outstanding local businesses continue to grow and thrive.”
The selected nonprofits include Beaufort Business Association; Chimney Rock Economic Development and Investment Team; Downtown Salisbury Inc.; Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association; Greater Eden Chamber Foundation; Launchhollysprings Inc.; McDowell Chamber Community and Business Impact; Mitchell Community College Foundation; Mitchell County Development Foundation; Montcross Area Chamber; Moore County Economic Development Partnership; Partnership for a Sustainable Community; Person County Business & Industrial Center; Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce Foundation; Region A Council; Renaissance Downtown Durham; Rolesville Downtown Development Association; Stokes County Arts Council; The Surry County Economic Development Foundation Inc.; and Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million annually in philanthropic contributions funded by shareholders to address community needs where its customers reside.
Duke Energy is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States with electric utilities serving 8.4 million customers across several states including North Carolina. It is currently focused on upgrading its electric grid infrastructure while investing in cleaner energy sources like natural gas, nuclear power, renewables and energy storage.
More details about Duke Energy can be found at duke-energy.com or through its social media channels on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
