SALISBURY — The city of Salisbury small business assistance grant application is currently accepting applications from local entrepreneurs and businesses but the deadline is fast approaching.

The purpose of the city of Salisbury’s Small Business Assistance Grant program is to strengthen and grow established businesses within the city of Salisbury. The city has partnered with the Rowan Chamber of Commerce to distribute the grants.

“We invite all eligible businesses within the city of Salisbury to take advantage of this grant opportunity,” City Manager Jim Greene Jr. said. “Our goal is to strengthen the local economy by promoting innovation, job creation, and long-term success for our community.”

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

“The Rowan Chamber is committed to supporting small businesses and ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive,” President of the Rowan Chamber of Commerce 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.”

Applicants are not required to be Rowan Chamber members in order to participate. Since the funding is coming from the city of Salisbury, applicants must operate their business within the city of Salisbury 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 Chamber’s Minority Business Trade Show on Thursday, April 24.

Grant criteria includes:

• 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.

You can find the application online at www.rowanchamber.com/small-business-assistance-grant. The deadline for applications is Friday, March 14, at noon.

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