A Helpful Guide to Greensboro Small Business Grants

July 16, 2025

Greensboro is home to a thriving small business community, and local business owners have a range of opportunities to secure funding through Greensboro-focused grants. The city and surrounding counties offer various financial support programs designed to help businesses grow, revitalize spaces, and enhance their operations. If you’re looking for a small business grant in Greensboro, our guide covers the top options and other NC-focused business grants.

5 Greensboro Small Business Grants

The primary provider of small business grants in Greensboro is Downtown Greensboro Incorporated (DGI), which supports businesses in the downtown area. If your business is located outside of downtown, Guilford Works and M&F Bank also offer grants to qualifying businesses. As you look for a grant, review the following five grants for Greensboro small businesses:

1. Facade Improvement Program

The Facade Improvement Program (FIP) offered by DGI is designed to enhance the visual appeal of the downtown area and stimulate new investments in local businesses. This program provides financial incentives for renovating building facades to improve their aesthetic quality, maintain the historic character of the area, and provide a better business environment.
DGI offers up to $5,000 for improvements to the exterior of commercial, institutional, or mixed-use properties located in downtown Greensboro. Eligible properties include any structure facing a street, from the roofline down to the ground level. To apply, a simple application must be submitted before starting construction.
Since the FIP fund doesn’t have a set deadline and only provides the grant until funding runs out, businesses should apply as soon as possible. If you’re interested in receiving this grant, review FIP’s guidelines before submitting your application.

2. DGI Catalyst Grant Program

The DGI Catalyst Grant Program is designed to support the revitalization of Greensboro’s Central Business District. This program offers financial assistance to property and business owners who are looking to enhance or redevelop their commercial spaces. The goal of this grant is to stimulate investment in older properties, help increase local sales, and encourage business retention downtown.
The Catalyst Grant focuses on projects that will:

  • Boost the local property tax base by encouraging investment in aging downtown properties.
  • Increase sales for both new and existing businesses, helping to expand the local sales tax base.
  • Aid in complex commercial projects requiring additional financial support.
  • Attract new businesses that meet the needs of residents, employees, and visitors.
  • Retain businesses that might otherwise relocate from downtown.
  • Provide targeted assistance to specific areas of downtown needing economic development.

Before beginning your application, ask yourself whether your business meets an unmet need in the downtown area, how your project will increase vibrancy, and the potential benefits it will bring to the community. If your project will create jobs or significantly increase investments, you may be eligible for this grant.

Review the Catalyst Grant’s guidelines and begin the application by filling out the grant’s interest form.

3. M&F Bank’s Empowering Growth Small Business Grant

The Empowering Growth Small Business Grant from M&F Bank supports small businesses by providing funding to help entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level. The next round of applications will open on August 1, 2025, with a $10,000 grant available for one Greensboro-based business.
To be eligible, businesses must have gross revenues of $750,000 or less, be in operation for 10 years or less as of January 31, 2025, and have no more than 25 employees. Eligible businesses also have to operate in Forsyth, Stokes, Yadkin, Davidson, or Randolph County. Ineligible entities include nonprofits, real estate firms, businesses with ties to M&F Bank, and M&F Bank employees or their relatives.
The application deadline for this round is August 31, 2025, so make sure to mark your calendar if you meet the eligibility criteria.

4. DGI Vibrancy Grant

The DGI Vibrancy Grant is designed to support small businesses in downtown Greensboro with financial assistance for projects aimed at enhancing services, expanding commercial opportunities, and beautifying storefronts. This grant provides up to $2,500 for eligible expenses, including:
New technology for sales efficiency, such as point-of-sale systems and digital marketing/advertising efforts.
Investments to expand services and commerce, such as physical space improvements or new equipment.
Storefront beautification projects to increase the location’s curb appeal, such as painting, signage, lighting fixtures, and outdoor seating areas.
While this grant is not currently available for 2025, it has been offered in the fall of previous years (e.g., the grant was offered between September 9 and October 11 in 2024). To ensure you don’t miss out, stay up-to-date with DGI’s announcements for future funding opportunities.

5. Guilford Works Training Grants

Guilford Works offers two types of grants designed to support businesses in Guilford County by reimbursing them for training expenses. The following grants focus on enhancing employee skills and helping businesses grow their workforce:

  • On-the-Job Training (OJT) Grant: This grant reimburses businesses for up to 50% of training costs for new, full-time employees. The training can last from three to six months, and the company will receive monthly reimbursements for wages paid during this period.
  • Small Business Training Grant: This grant offers up to $20,000 to established businesses in Guilford County to help improve the skills of existing employees. The training must address identified skill gaps, and businesses can reapply for additional funding in subsequent years.

To qualify, businesses must operate in Guilford County, have at least five employees, and meet other eligibility criteria related to tax obligations and employee status. The application deadline is the last business day of each month, with reviews and decisions made within 30 business days. Review the guidelines for each of these grants before applying.

What Other North-Carolina-Based Grants Are Available to Small Businesses?

In addition to local grants in Greensboro, small businesses throughout North Carolina can access state-level funding opportunities. Some of the notable NC-based grant programs include:

Turn to the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce for Assistance With Greensboro Small Business Grants​

The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce offers a wealth of support for small businesses looking to apply for grants. With networking and mentorship opportunities, educational programs, and access to resources, the Chamber can guide you through the grant application process and help you take full advantage of the funding available to your business.
Learn more about how we can support your business today. If you have any questions about small business grants in North Carolina or our services, please contact us.

We know and grow Greensboro.