North Carolina women entrepreneurs are building businesses in everything from technology and food to retail, professional services, and manufacturing. But whether you’re getting a new company off the ground or trying to grow one that’s already established, finding the money to make the next move can be one of the hardest parts.
The good news is that you don’t have to rely on one type of funding. North Carolina has programs that support startups, technology companies, exporters, and businesses making improvements to their commercial spaces. There are also national grants that you can apply for.
We’ve rounded up the available business grants for women in North Carolina, including, how much you can receive and what you need to apply.
Statewide Grant Programs for Women in North Carolina
1. NC IDEA MICRO Grant
Award: $10,000
Focus: Early-stage innovative startups
If you have launched an innovative startup and need funding to test whether your business idea can work, the NC IDEA MICRO Grant is one program to look into.
The grant provides $10,000 in non-dilutive funding to young companies working through important early questions. That could include finding out whether customers want the product, testing a business model, developing a first version of the product, or learning more about the market. The funding is paired with an eight-week program that includes customer research, product launch support, mentors, and guidance from NC IDEA.
Your company must be headquartered in North Carolina and carry out most of its operations in the state. NC IDEA looks for businesses with innovative products or business models, a large potential market, and a realistic plan for growing the company. Applicants should already be taking steps to move the business forward, such as talking to potential customers, developing a prototype, testing a product or service, or bringing in early revenue.
The program runs twice a year, usually in the spring and fall. A company can apply for either MICRO or SEED in a given cycle, but not both.
How to apply: Watch the NC IDEA website for the next MICRO application cycle and review the eligibility requirements before applying.
Related post: 32 Best Business Grants for Women in 2026
2. NC IDEA SEED Grant
Award: $50,000
Focus: Early-stage startups ready to grow
The NC IDEA SEED Grant is intended for startups that have made more progress and are ready to move beyond testing the basic idea. Selected businesses receive $50,000 in non-dilutive funding to help them grow, gain customers, and prepare for the next stage of the business. Companies don’t have to be profitable, but they need a proven concept, evidence of customer demand, and a clear plan to grow the business.
NC IDEA is looking for companies serving large, growing markets and expects applicants to show how the grant will have a meaningful effect on the business. Competitive applicants have generally completed meaningful customer research, developed a minimum viable product, received market feedback, and begun gaining traction.
Like MICRO, SEED runs twice a year, and you can only apply to one of the two programs during a grant cycle.
How to apply: Check the next NC IDEA SEED funding cycle and submit your application through the organization’s online process.
3. One North Carolina Small Business Program
Focus: Research, technology, and innovation
Funding amount: Up to $12,000 for Phase I Incentive Funds; up to $75,000 in matching funds, or up to $100,000 for eligible businesses in Hurricane Helene-impacted counties
Women building technology companies have another funding route through the One North Carolina Small Business Program. The program is made up of two related funding opportunities. The SBIR/STTR Phase I Incentive Funds Program reimburses eligible North Carolina businesses for part of the cost of preparing and submitting a federal SBIR or STTR Phase I proposal. The Matching Funds Program provides additional funding to North Carolina businesses that have already received a federal SBIR or STTR award.
This is a specialized program relevant to women working in areas such as biotechnology, healthcare, advanced materials, agriculture technology, defense, or other research-heavy fields.
The program has been running since 2006 and has awarded nearly $45 million to North Carolina businesses. In fiscal year 2026 alone, 46 businesses received 50 grants totaling more than $2.4 million.
How to apply: Review the current One North Carolina Small Business solicitation and apply through the state’s CyberGrants system.
Related post: America’s Seed Fund SBIR/STTR: Eligibility, Funding & How to Apply
4. North Carolina STEP Grant
Focus: Exporting and international business
Funding amount: Up to $12,000 in reimbursements
If your business is already selling in the U.S. and you’re ready to explore international markets, the North Carolina State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) may be worth considering.
Known in North Carolina as the N.C. Passport to Export program, STEP helps small businesses prepare for exporting and develop new international sales. Women-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses receive special consideration, as do businesses located in rural parts of the state.
Please note that the funding is tied to eligible export-related activities. Businesses must generally be registered in North Carolina, have been operating for at least one year, be profitable based on U.S. operations, and meet the program’s U.S. content requirements.
How to apply: Contact the North Carolina STEP program through the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and review the current requirements before taking on any expenses you expect to claim.
Local Grants for Women-Owned Businesses in North Carolina
Your city or county may offer funding that you won’t find in a statewide search. These programs are often tied to a specific location or type of improvement.
5. Raleigh Pathway to Entrepreneurship Mini-Grants
Funding amount: $500 initial mini-grant, with additional mini-grants available at later stages
Focus: Starting and growing a business
Location: Raleigh and Wake County
The City of Raleigh’s Pathway to Entrepreneurship (PTE) Mini-Grants are designed for people taking part in the city’s entrepreneurship program. The first mini-grant provides $500 to help participants formally establish a business. Eligible uses include forming an LLC, purchasing bookkeeping software, and getting essential business insurance. The second mini-grant can help with a website, domain name, and digital marketing, while the third supports businesses that have reached the growth stage and need help with professional development, certifications, business events, or equipment.
To be considered, yo must be a participant in the Pathway to Entrepreneurship program and meet the requirements for each stage.
How to apply: Start by learning about Raleigh’s Pathway to Entrepreneurship program and its eligibility requirements.
6. Downtown Raleigh Storefront Upfit Grant
Award: Up to $10,000
Focus: Storefront improvements and business expansion
Location: Downtown Raleigh
If you’re opening or expanding a storefront in downtown Raleigh, the Storefront Upfit Grant can help with some of the costs involved in getting the space ready. The program provides reimbursement grants of up to $10,000, depending on the location and type of business. Funding can support eligible improvements and one-time expenses needed to set up a storefront. An additional $2,500 funding booster is available for businesses that are at least 50% owned by certain groups, including women.
The program is aimed at new retail, restaurant, and service businesses as well as certain existing businesses that are expanding. Because this is a reimbursement program, you pay the approved expenses first and receive the grant after the work is completed and the required documentation has been reviewed.
How to apply: Start with the Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s interest form and review the current eligible locations and expenses.
7. Charlotte Business Matching Grants
Award: Up to $90,000 for eligible facade improvements
Focus: Commercial building improvements and security
Location: Eligible areas of Charlotte
Charlotte offers several matching grants to help businesses improve their commercial spaces. The programs are available to eligible businesses and commercial property owners located within designated Business Corridor Revitalization areas.
The Façade Improvement Grant offers between $20,000 and $90,000, depending on building size. The Interior Upfit Improvement Grant offers up to $30,000, while the Security Improvement Grant provides up to $5,000 for an individual business or up to $20,000 for a shopping center with three or more tenants.
These are matching reimbursement grants. Charlotte covers 50% of eligible costs up to the applicable grant maximum after the project is completed, inspected, and paid receipts are submitted. Applications are accepted quarterly.
How to apply: Check Charlotte’s eligibility map first to make sure your business is in an eligible area, then review the requirements for the specific grant you need.
National Grants Women in North Carolina Can Apply For
Several national grants accept women business owners regardless of which state they live in.
8. Amber Grant
Award: $10,000 monthly
Focus: Women-owned businesses and startups
The Amber Grant is a useful funding option for women at different stages of business ownership. WomensNet offers three $10,000 grants each month: the regular Amber Grant, a Startup Grant, and a Business Category Grant. The Startup Grant is open to women whose businesses are still in the idea stage or have less than $10,000 in gross sales.
Monthly winners can also become eligible for three additional $50,000 year-end grants. The application deadline is the last day of each month at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
How to apply: Submit the online application through WomensNet.
Read our detailed Amber Grant for women guide before applying.
Related post: 10 Tips for Amber Grant Application in 2026
9. Hey Helen Grant
Award: $10,000 monthly
Focus: Women-owned, mission-driven businesses
Location: U.S.
The Hey Helen Grant awards $10,000 to one woman founder each month. The unrestricted grant can be used for business needs such as operations, marketing, hiring, technology, or growth.
To apply, your business must be legally registered in the United States, at least 50% women-owned, and generating less than $1 million in annual revenue. Pre-revenue applications are also welcome. There is a $15 administrative fee, and applications remain on file for 12 months so eligible applicants can be considered for multiple monthly rounds.
How to apply: Complete the online application through Visionaries before the monthly deadline.
10. HerRise MicroGrant
Award: $1,000 monthly
Focus: Under-resourced women entrepreneurs, including women of color
The HerRise MicroGrant gives $1,000 each month to qualifying women-owned businesses in the United States. The program is designed for under-resourced women entrepreneurs, making it a great opportunity to consider if you are looking business grants for black women.
Businesses must be at least 51% women-owned, registered in the U.S., and have less than $1 million in gross revenue. Nonprofits, franchises, direct sellers, authorized resellers, and independent consultants are not eligible. A $15 administrative fee applies.
How to apply: Complete the HerRise MicroGrant application by the last day of the month.
