Funding Options
City of Fayetteville Programs
Section titled “City of Fayetteville Programs”Business Assistance Loan Program
Section titled “Business Assistance Loan Program”A subordinated loan to help with down payment or equity needed for primary financing.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Amount | Up to $125,000 (max 25% of total loan) |
| Works With | Bank or approved lender primary loan |
| Contact | Michelle Haire, 910-433-1596 |
Commercial Exterior/Façade Grant Program
Section titled “Commercial Exterior/Façade Grant Program”Matching reimbursement grant for exterior improvements.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Standard Grant | Up to $5,000 per façade |
| Corridor Grant | Up to $25,000 for qualified businesses |
| Type | Matching reimbursement (you pay first) |
| Use | Exterior rehabilitation, landscaping |
Can Do Performance Finance Program
Section titled “Can Do Performance Finance Program”Administered by Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC).
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Amount | Up to $750,000 |
| Total Fund | $5 million ($2.5M city + $2.5M state) |
| Type | Forgivable loan (converts to grant) |
| Priority | Minority-owned businesses, high-growth industries |
Priority Industries:
- Aerospace
- Technology
- Defense
- Cybersecurity
Forgiveness: Loan converts to grant when job creation commitments are met.
Contact: FCEDC or 910-323-6006
State & Federal Programs
Section titled “State & Federal Programs”NC Commerce Grants & Incentives
Section titled “NC Commerce Grants & Incentives”- Building Reuse Program
- Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG)
- One North Carolina Fund
Visit: commerce.nc.gov/grants-incentives
SBA Loans
Section titled “SBA Loans”The Small Business Center at FTCC can help with SBA loan applications.
Free Resources
Section titled “Free Resources”Small Business Center at FTCC
Section titled “Small Business Center at FTCC”| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Business counseling | Free |
| Classes and seminars | Free/Low-cost |
| SBA loan assistance | Free |
Center for Economic Empowerment & Development (CEED)
Section titled “Center for Economic Empowerment & Development (CEED)”- Business assistance for startups
- Education and job skill training
- Women and minority business support
Website: ncceed.org
Women’s Business Center of Fayetteville
Section titled “Women’s Business Center of Fayetteville”Part of the CEED network, specifically focused on women entrepreneurs.
- Counseling for women business owners
- Business planning assistance
- Networking opportunities
Website: wbcfay.org
Veterans Business Outreach Center at Fayetteville State University
Section titled “Veterans Business Outreach Center at Fayetteville State University”The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) supports transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses who want to start or grow a small business. Services include confidential counseling, business-plan assistance, financial projections, access-to-capital guidance, training, networking, and referrals.1
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1073 Murchison Road, Fayetteville, NC 28301 |
| Phone | (910) 672-2683 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Saturday and Sunday |
| Website | fsuvboc.com |
For Boots to Business, Fort Bragg home-based businesses, veteran certification, and government contracting, see the Military & Veteran Business Resources guide.
Fayetteville-Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur & Business Hub
Section titled “Fayetteville-Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur & Business Hub”Director: Dr. Tamara Colvin
- Funding guidance
- Resource connections
- Mentorship
Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Section titled “Greater Fayetteville Chamber”The Chamber provides business resources beyond just networking:
- Ribbon cuttings and grand opening support
- Business advocacy
- Member directory exposure
- Networking events
Website: faybiz.com
Application Tips
Section titled “Application Tips”- Have a business plan - Required for most loan programs
- Know your numbers - Revenue projections, costs, break-even
- Start early - Application processes take 30-90 days
- Stack funding - Many programs can be combined
- Get help - Free counseling available at FTCC Small Business Center
Footnotes
Section titled “Footnotes”-
Veterans Business Outreach Center at Fayetteville State University, official website. ↩