Rowan Chamber Small Business Grant applications now available

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, February 4, 2025

The Rowan Chamber of Commerce will once again partner with the city of Salisbury to offer small business assistance grants.

The purpose of the Rowan Chamber and city of Salisbury’s Small Business Grant program is to strengthen and grow established businesses within the city of Salisbury. By making these grants available, the chamber is fulfilling its mission of driving economic stability, diversity and growth in our community.

“The Rowan Chamber is committed to supporting small businesses and ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive,” Chamber President Elaine Spalding said. “This grant program with the city of Salisbury is an excellent opportunity for local businesses to access funding that can help them grow and innovate within our community.”

Businesses who receive funding through this program will be those who bring innovation and therefore have a unique competitive edge. They must be good corporate citizens and are encouraged to support their employees and other locally owned businesses.

Since the funding is coming from the city of Salisbury, applicants must operate their business within city limits. Since there are already a number of downtown business grants, this small business grant is designed to focus on priority corridors outside of downtown, for example: West End, South Main Street and West Innes Street.

Grants will be awarded at the Minority Business Trade Show on April 24.

The criteria are:

  • Businesses must be located in city of Salisbury limits with 10 or fewer employees (or full-time equivalent).
  • They must be a legal entity, registered with the N.C. Secretary of State, and have appropriate permits to operate.
  • They must submit a quality business plan (free assistance available from RCCC Small Business Center).
  • Grant funds may be used for a fixed asset utilized for the business or permanent improvements to physical space (examples: manufacturing equipment, lawnmower, vacuum cleaner, building signage, lighting, awnings, flooring).
  • Grant funds may not be used for ongoing operational expenses (examples: rent, utilities, salaries, financing debt, inventory, memberships, legal fees).
  • Grant requests may range from $5,000 – $10,000.

The deadline for applications is noon on March 14. The application is available on the chamber’s website at https://www.rowanchamber.com/small-business-assistance-grant/

For questions about the application, contact Spalding at espalding@rowanchamber.com or 704-633-4221.