Mecklenburg County (July 10, 2026) – The Mecklenburg County Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Mecklenburg County Industrial Development Authority are proud to announce the launch of three new grant programs approved by the Board of Supervisors through the Fiscal Year 2026-27 County Budget, which represent a monumental investment of $1.9 million by the County towards supporting small business resiliency, tourism development, and economic investment.
The Small Business Growth Grant Program, Tourism Development Fund, and Tourism Marketing Support Grant Program will provide funding opportunities to eligible applicants seeking to invest in projects that strengthen the local business economy, boost economic growth, and enhance visitor experiences.
Recognizing that locally owned businesses are the backbone of our communities, the County hopes help provide continued durability for our local business sector, allow entrepreneurs to succeed, create job options for our citizens, and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. Small businesses contribute to vibrant downtowns, provide essential goods and services, and play a crucial role in building a robust local economy.
“For generations, small family businesses, agritourism, and the lake-based recreational economy have sustained and nourished the viability of Mecklenburg County. In times that were lean, it was these types of businesses that enabled the County to persevere and march forward. Now, in a time of plenty, it is our duty to reinvest in these sectors and to thank them for what they’ve meant to our community be providing resources and tools to help unlock continued success,” proclaimed Alex Gottschalk, County Administrator.
The new Small Business Growth Grant Program is designed to encourage business growth by providing financial assistance for projects that will help local businesses in the County expand, improve operations, and position themselves for long-term success. Targeting the 96% of business establishments in the County that employ less than 50 employees apiece, the Program reflects the County’s commitment to creating an environment where small businesses can thrive and continue to provide substantive employment opportunities for the people of Mecklenburg.
The Tourism Development Fund is designed to help attract larger investment projects with the potential to significantly impact the County’s economy. The Fund is intended to support tourism-related, transformational projects that attract significant private investment, create new quality jobs, secure crucial needed amenities into the County, and serve as catalysts for long-term economic development.
Also launching this year is the Tourism Marketing Support Grant Program, a pilot initiative that will be administered by Mecklenburg County Tourism. Designed for existing tourism-based businesses, attractions, and Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), the program will provide funding opportunities to support marketing projects such as digital advertising, professional photography and videography, printed marketing materials, and larger-scale promotional campaigns. The goal is to increase visitation, encourage overnight stays, generate visitor spending and strengthen Mecklenburg County’s tourism brand, “More of What Matters.”
“Many of our tourism businesses are small businesses that offer incredible visitor experiences but don’t always have the resources to invest in professional marketing,” said Tina Morgan, Tourism Coordinator. “The Tourism Marketing Support Grant Program is designed to help our partners tell their stories, reach new audiences, and ultimately bring more visitors—and more overnight stays—to Mecklenburg County. When our tourism partners succeed, our entire county benefits.”
Together, these initiatives reflect the County’s strategic approach to economic development, supporting existing businesses, encouraging transformational investment, and strengthening the County’s tourism economy while creating opportunities to obtain new investment and diversify the local business climate.
Applications for all three programs will open on September 1, 2026. Each Program has a limited number of grant awards available. Applications will be evaluated through a competitive review process, and awards will be based on each Program’s eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, and available funding. Additional information, including grant overviews, application materials, and program guidelines, will be available through the Economic Development Department website grant overview section.
About the Mecklenburg County Department of Economic Development & Tourism
The Mecklenburg County Department of Economic Development & Tourism is committed to strengthening the local economy by supporting business growth, attracting new investment, and promoting Mecklenburg County as a premier destination to live, work, and visit. Through strategic partnerships, business assistance, tourism promotion, and community development initiatives, the department works to enhance economic opportunity while showcasing the county’s unique assets and quality of life. Learn more at InvestInMeckVA.com and VisitMeckVA.com or contact Angie Kellett, angie.kellett@mecklenburgva.com.