Quick Summary Program: One North Carolina SBIR/STTR Phase I Matching Funds Program Standard eligible amount: Up to $75,000 Additional eligible support: Up to $25,000 for qualifying Helene-impacted county applicants Maximum possible funding: Up to $100,000 Deadline: June 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. or until funds run out Who qualifies: North Carolina small businesses with a federal Phase I SBIR or STTR award How to apply: Apply through the official CyberGrants system listed on the NC Commerce website Starting a technology business in North Carolina is expensive. You May Also Qualify For These Benefits Check these related guides before you apply. Some programs may help you save more each month. 👉 2026 NC SNAP: Eligible Up to $1,789 Monthly Honestly, even getting through the research phase can drain cash faster than most founders expect. Lab work, engineering costs, software development, prototype testing, compliance reviews, contr...

Finding capital is one of the most significant hurdles for any entrepreneur. While loans require repayment and venture capital often demands equity, Business Grants offer a unique path to funding that doesn't add to your debt. However, many small business owners assume these opportunities are either non-existent or too difficult to secure. From what I’ve seen, most applicants focus only on high-profile federal programs and miss out on local or private opportunities that often have less competition. In many cases, businesses qualify for niche grants but never apply because they assume they won’t be selected. This guide breaks down the current landscape of business grants in 2026 and how you can navigate the application process effectively. What Are Business Grants? Unlike loans, a business grant is a sum of money awarded to a business by a government agency, corporation, or foundation. These funds do not typically need to be paid back, provided the recipient adheres to the...