2022 Entrepreneurial Grant Program

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The  Wilkes EDC Entrepreneurial Grant Program provides funds to Existing Businesses for Expansion, and those who plan on Starting a Business in Wilkes County. See below to  learn about the requirements for applying.
Spring 2022 Program is now closed.
Winners will be announced in June!
 
Sponsorships are available at various levels.
For information on Sponsoring, please click here.

Program Overview

The Wilkes EDC Entrepreneurial Grant Program provides funds to Existing Businesses for Expansion, and those who plan on Starting a Business in Wilkes County. Applicants are asked to submit a SIMPLE business plan that describes how the grant funds will be used to grow or start their business as well as a 3-5 minute business pitch video of their request. Selected Participants will give a full presentation to a panel of judges.  Award winners will have one year to draw down grant funds allocated to their project.

The Wilkes Community College Small Business Center is available to all applicants for assistance with their business plans. The Wilkes EDC's Marketing & Content Manager can provide help with videos. 

Submit your Application as soon as possible to be enrolled in the Program. Next you will be provided with a Template for your Business Plan and Financial Summary to complete, and information on recording a Video Pitch detailing how you would use the grant money. 

Spring 2022 Program Closed. Winners To Be Announced In June!

Your application is not considered complete until you submit your Business Plan and Video Pitch.

Please understand that any business that submitted an application whether approved or not, cannot be guaranteed any grant proceeds or other benefits from this project. The EDC is not endorsing any applicant by way of this project and thus no such claim should be made. 

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Business Plan

For a New Business, a good business plan guides you through each stage of starting and managing your business. You’ll use your business plan as a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. For an Existing Business, this plan is a way to express a new project or product your company has envisioned. It’s a way to think through the key elements of your business.  SBA Resources.

This plan does not have to be complex! We have created a template for your Business Plan and Financial Summary to make it easier on those who apply for the grant.

Download Business Plan Template

Download Financial Summary Template

 Your business plan is one of the tools you’ll use to show our panel of judges that investing in your company is a smart choice for Wilkes County, NC.

The Wilkes Community College Small Business Center is available to provide assistance with composing Business Plans for each applicant.


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Video Pitch

A business pitch is one of the simplest yet most powerful marketing tools for a small business owner. It is an effective way to pitch a new business, product or professional solution. A successful pitch is engaging and backed by a well organized business plan. What solution does your plan provide? Are you developing a new product? How will this positively impact Wilkes County? For the purpose of this grant, your goal is to make your video short and to the point in order to entice the panel of judges to want to know more about your business plan. Your video can be simple, record it yourself with your smartphone! We are not looking at the quality of your video: what is important is the content. More Resources

Address the Following Points in 3 Minutes:

  1. Who You Are & Where Your Business is Located
  2. Existing Businesses: How Long You've Been Open
  3. Your Business Idea/Solution/Product
  4. How You Would Use the Grant Funds
  5. What Solution it Provides to Wilkes County

The Wilkes EDC Marketing & Content Manager is available to answer any technical questions you may have regarding your video submission. Click here to send an email.

Applications For The Spring 2022 Program Closed
Winners To Be Announced In June!
Your application is not considered complete until you submit your Business Plan and Video Pitch.

Sponsorship Information

For more information on becoming a sponsor, click here.

Become a Sponsor (4)

Donor Form Instructions

  1. Fill in "Investment Amount" with the Dollar Amount You Intend to Donate
  2. Fill out Business/Personal Contact Information
  3. Under "Membership Level", Select One of the Following: 
    • Bronze           ($500+ Sponsorship)
    • Silver           ($1,000+ Sponsorship)
    • Gold             ($2,000+ Sponsorship)
    • Platinum    ($5,000+ Sponsorship)
  4. Under "Fund Designation", Select "Entrepreneurial Grant Program"
  5. Select the Acknowledgement 
  6. Type Signature & Submit

For any other questions, please contact our office by phone (336) 838-1501


Spring Program Sponsors

Gold Level ($2,000 +)


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Silver Level ($1,000)


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Bronze Level ($500)

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Previous Winners

For more information on Past Grant Recipients, click here.