Home-Based Business Transition Grant

Your home-based business was cozy, but now you’re bursting at the seams. This grant could help you move into a commercial location. There will be 2 grants awarded.

Purpose

To encourage the growth and success of small home-based businesses located in Mecklenburg County by assisting them in the transition to commercial locations.

What It Covers

Offers up to $15,000 in 1:1 matching funds per business. Grant can be awarded for such uses as the purchase of equipment, furnishings or inventory, down-payments toward the lease or purchase of commercial property, renovations or minor repairs to the new location, or utility connection fees associated with the new property.

Qualifications

• Must currently be a home-based business physically located in Mecklenburg County, in operation for at least one year prior to the application, and looking to transition to a commercial-based location in Mecklenburg County.
• Must have acquired a business license (if required at the new location) before opening. This license must remain paid and active for the duration of the performance agreement.
• Must purchase, lease, or sublease commercially zoned property in Mecklenburg County within two months of signing the grant agreement.
• Commercial property cannot have been acquired before application is approved.
• Business cannot be in default or in non-compliance with any county programs, ordinances, or taxes.
• Must sign up for the county’s monthly email listing, which provides business resource information including educational opportunities.
• All approved projects must be completed within one year of grant approval.

Details & Exclusions

• Normal monthly operating expenses, such as rent, utilities, payroll, taxes, etc., are not allowable expenses.
• Funds will be awarded to the applicant only upon satisfactory completion of the project in accordance with the approved application and associated performance agreement.
• Receipts must be paid in full by the applicant and presented to Mecklenburg County showing a date after the grant approval date to be eligible for 50% reimbursement (up to $15,000).
• Applicant must submit copies of all required permits and approvals, and a copy of the new commercial space lease or sale documentation to receive reimbursement.
• Non-profit entities are not eligible.

How to Apply

1. Complete, sign, and submit the grant application. Include all quotes, a copy of your current business license, and a signed IRS Form W-9. Submit via email, mail, or in person to the Mecklenburg County Economic Development & Tourism Office.
2. Applications close on November 30. The committee reviews will take place in December, and awards will be announced in January. *
3. Begin the transition process within two months of signing the performance agreement.

*If funds related to this grant are not fully expended in this grant round, there is potential for a 2nd round of grant applications.

Prepare for your submission
Review a pdf of the application that will be available to submit online from September 1 – November 30. This sample pdf application is not for submission and will not be accepted as a valid application.