Duke Energy Awards $500,000 to North Carolina Small Businesses

The funding targets organizations capable of delivering direct assistance to local business owners. Recipients will utilize these resources for diverse projects, including storefront renovations, e-commerce upgrades, and professional mentorship programs. According to Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president, these small firms serve as the backbone of community identity and local workforce stability.

This investment marks a continuation of a broader effort by the energy company, which has distributed over $3 million to state entrepreneurs since 2020. The selected nonprofits span the state, including the Asheville Downtown Association Foundation, the Greater Fayetteville Chamber Foundation, and the Davidson-Davie Community College Foundation. By partnering with these local entities, Duke Energy intends to address specific regional needs, such as equipment upgrades and business training, rather than applying a uniform approach to economic development.