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2011-2012 Grant Programs

The Next Great Place

Are you an experienced entrepreneur looking to locate your next business in downtown Burlington? We've recently unveiled a new grant package that is being administered in the form of a business plan contest. The winner will receive a year of free rent, plus a plethora of other prizes valued at approxmiately $40,000!

In order to be considered, you must submit a video the BDC that is no longer than 2 minutes. For more information, please visit the contest website by visiting www.TheNextGr8Place.com.


2011 -2012 Small Grants Information and Application Package

The full information packet and application are avaliable on this web page. Copies may also be picked up in the BDC Offices located in the Historic Depot in Downtown Burlington.

Download the full grant informational package and application: (Adobe PDF document)

Project Overview: Download a brief overview of the grants program (pdf). You can also print the brochure here.

Eligibility: Business and property owners located with the downtown Municipal Service District are eligible to apply. Check the map to determine if you are located within the district.

Please note that project work cannot not begin until a grant has been awarded to receive funding! If you have an active project, don't let this discourage you, you may be able to apply for funding for a future phase or stage of your project.

Pre-Appliction meeting:

Those wishing to apply for grants within the program are required schedule a pre-application interview with BDC staff.

To set up an interview, contact Anne K. Morris at (336) 222-5002.

Application Deadlines:

August 30, 2011
November 16, 2011
February 29, 2012
May 30, 2012

All applications are due by 5 p.m. in the Burlington Downtown Corporation offices located at 200 S. Main Street in the Historic Depot in Downtown Burlington.

Submittal Requirements:

Applicants must submit 5 hard copies of their completed application packet and addtional materials to the BDC office.

An additional electronic copy must also be sent to Julie Terry at jterry@burlingtondowntown.com by 5 p.m. on the day of the deadline. Please read the instructions in the grant application for more details.

Additional Resources

There are many local, state and federal agencies that offer free assistance to business or property owners looking to enchance their business models. The following are links to information we think will be of use to participants interested in our Small Grants Program:

Business Plans

Business Resources

Are you considering a new business venture? Or an expansion of your present business? Perhaps you need help with an existing business plan or ideas for promoting your business. Are you current on your cash flow projections and taxes? We are in the business of helping businesses succeed.

Whether through additional training, one-on-one counseling or providing the contacts and information you need, we are here to assist you. Our experienced staff will arm you with reliable information, solid advice, training and business contacts. We are community-based and open to the public. This service reinforces the mission of community colleges to support economic development through services to business and industry.

Small Business and Technology Development Center -

The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) has been helping North Carolina businesses grow and create new jobs since 1984.  SBTDC specialists provide management counseling and educational services to small and mid-sized businesses throughout North Carolina. Most SBTDC services are free of charge, and all SBTDC services are confidential.

Business Counseling — The SBTDC’s core service is in-depth management counseling, addressing financing, marketing, human resources, operations, business and strategic planning, and feasibility assessment.

Management Education — The SBTDC also helps business owners and managers, economic and community development organizations, education institutions and not-for-profit organizations develop strategies and action plans to gain competitive advantage.

  • Capital Opportunities for Small Businesses

    The SBTDC's Capital Opportunities for Small Businesses provides information about financial resources available to small businesses in North Carolina. The SBTDC publishes this in an effort to support the growth of North Carolina’s economy and to educate and serve the small business community.

    Capital Opportunities serves as a resource for individuals seeking start-up financing, businesses hunting for expansion capital, and organizations that aid small businesses in obtaining financing. Each funding source is briefly identified and accompanied by a list of contacts. This 134-page report also describes recent developments that may affect the availability of funding or the eligibility of small businesses to access capital.

Download complete Capital Opportunities (.pdf)

Incentives, Tax Credits and Grants