Small Business Growth Microgrant

August 5, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership awarded $25,000 grant from Duke Energy Foundation as part of its commitment to support communities across North Carolina. 

NORTH WILKESBORO, NC — The Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership (DNWP) has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to establish the Small Business Growth Microgrant Program, an initiative designed to help small businesses invest in improvements that strengthen the local economy and enhance the vitality of downtown North Wilkesboro.

The award is part of Duke Energy Foundation's ongoing commitment to building stronger, more vibrant communities across North Carolina by supporting economic development, workforce opportunities, and community investment.

The Small Business Growth Microgrant Program will provide competitive grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to eligible small businesses for projects that improve business operations, increase productivity, expand capacity, create jobs, and position businesses for long-term success.

Funding may be used for eligible expenses such as equipment purchases, technology upgrades, inventory, exterior or interior improvements, and other investments that help businesses expand their operations and better serve customers.

In addition to financial assistance, participating businesses will be connected with technical assistance and business development resources through partnerships with organizations including the Main Street America Business Hub and the Wilkes Community College Small Business Center. 

"We are incredibly grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for investing in the future of our downtown businesses," said Taylor Berry, Director of the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership. "Small businesses are the heart of our community, and this program will provide meaningful resources to help local entrepreneurs grow, innovate, and continue contributing to the economic vitality of North Wilkesboro. This investment will have a lasting impact not only on individual businesses but on our entire downtown district."

The Small Business Growth Microgrant Program is one component of the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership's broader strategy to support entrepreneurship, encourage business retention and expansion, and foster a thriving downtown economy.

Additional information about the program is available at www.downtownnorthwilkesboro.com/property-redevelopment. 

The Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership is a nonprofit Main Street organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and revitalizing downtown North Wilkesboro through economic development, historic preservation, design, and community engagement. For more information about the DNWP and Downtown North Wilkesboro, visit www.downtownnorthwilkesboro.com. 

For more information about the Duke Energy Foundation and its community initiatives, visit the Duke Energy Foundation website at https://foundation.duke-energy.com/.