Duke Energy Foundation announced it has awarded a $25,000 grant to BCCC Small Business Center to support local small businesses in Beaufort County through Beaufort County Community College Small Business Center’s Seed & Sow Program.
Twenty nonprofit organizations across the state have been selected to receive $25,000 grants, which will then fund awards of up to $5,000 to individual small businesses. Funds can be used by local businesses to complete renovations, buy equipment or technology, purchase inventory or meet other business needs.
“Supporting small businesses boosts local economic activity, which has a positive impact on the communities and customers we serve,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s state president for North Carolina. “We’re proud to work alongside our community partners to help entrepreneurs and local businesses make their dreams a reality.”
Jack Dugan, Director of the BCCC Small Business Center said “The Seed & Sow Program powered by Duke Energy is a comprehensive small business learning and planning process culminating in a pitch contest, where qualifying entrepreneurs compete to win cash awards, to help fund their small business startup or expansion idea! This process fosters learning, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and healthy competition in a positive and encouraging environment. Thanks to Duke Energy, 10 winners will leave with a $2,500 ‘seed’ to plant, grow, and flourish in our local communities.”
Only Beaufort, Hyde, Washington, and Tyrrell County entrepreneurs can qualify. To qualify for the Seed & Sow Pitch Contest on April 11, participants must register for one of the following workshops, based on where they are in their small business journey:
For NEW small business startups: Seed & Sow Contest Workshop for NEW Small Business Startups – On Campus (February) or Seed & Sow Contest Workshop for NEW Small Business Startups – On Campus (March).
For EXISTING small business expansions: Seed & Sow Contest Workshop for EXISTING Small Business Expansions – On Campus (February) or Seed & Sow Contest Workshop for EXISTING Small Business Expansions – On Campus (March).
For more information on the Duke Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit their press release: Duke Energy Foundation gives boost to local economies with $500,000 in support for North Carolina small businesses. For more information on the BCCC Small Business Center Seed & Sow Program, call Jack Dugan at (252) 940-6306. Only Beaufort, Hyde, Washington, and Tyrrell County entrepreneurs qualify to pitch.
