Home-Based Business Transition Grant

Your home-based business was cozy, but now you’re bursting at the seams. We’re here to 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, can be awarded for such uses as the purchase of supplies, equipment, or inventory; down-payments toward the lease or purchase of commercial property; renovations or minor repairs to a new commercial location; utility connection fees; or marketing and promotion.

Qualifications

  • Must currently be a home-based business physically located in Mecklenburg County looking to transition to a commercial-based location in Mecklenburg County.
  • Must have acquired a business license (if required at the location you growing into) before opening the doors. This license must remain paid and active until three years after the date grant funds are received.
  • Must purchase, lease, or sublease commercially zoned property in Mecklenburg County within two months of signing the grant agreement.
  • Work cannot have started before application is approved.
  • Business cannot be in default or 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 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(s) in accordance with the approved application, and the relocation of the business to a commercially zoned location in the County.
  • 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.
  • Applicant must submit copies of all required permits and approvals, if applicable, and a copy of the new commercial space lease or sale documentation.
  • Maximum grant of $15,000 per business.
  • Non-profit entities are not eligible.

How to Apply

  1. Complete, sign, and submit the grant application. Include all quotes for described projects, your informal narrative, 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 Office.
  2. Receive a decision via email, along with an agreement to sign if approved.
  3. Begin the work once you return the signed agreement.