US: Beyond Open Small Business Grant Program (Round 2)

Beyond Open Small Business Grant Program (“Beyond Open”) is administered by FFTC Partners For Empowering Communities (“FPEC”), a supporting organization of Foundation For The Carolinas (the “Foundation”). FPEC is pleased to help build economic mobility in the community through this program with support from the Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund.

Funding Information

• $5 million in grants will be awarded in each of three rounds for a total $15 million.
• Over 150 Beyond Open grants from $10,000 to $150,000 will be awarded in Round 2.

Uses of funds

Grants CAN be used for:

• Capital assets eligible for Beyond Open grants are significant pieces of property that can be owned. Examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Computers, printers and other small office equipment
  • Cell phones and other communications equipment
  • Software licenses (up to one year)
  • Build-out of a company website, an e-commerce website, sales system or digital commerce platform
  • Hand tools or small appliances
  • Minor store or space renovations or improvements
  • Small office furnishings, display or showroom equipment
  • Storefront beautification or new signage
  • Store fixtures (display racks, built-in seating and counters, lighting)
  • Business site improvements, HVAC equipment, windows, roofing replacement
  • Safety, security and surveillance equipment
  • Parking lot resurfacing
  • Leading-edge technology
  • Purchase of a warehouse or other commercial property (up to 20% of purchase price)
  • Lease of a new commercial property (up to one year)
  • Large inventory purchases
  • Major equipment
  • New vehicles (car, truck, van, food service, delivery) or vehicle upfits
  • Specialty or industrial equipment
  • Renewable energy sources via equipment or technology
  • Other significant capital investments.

Eligibility Requirements

• The focus of the Beyond Open program is on diverse-owned small businesses, with majority (at least 51% ownership) minority, woman, veteran, LGBTQ+ or persons with disabilities ownership.
• Requirement 1
  • Physically located within one of the six Corridors of Opportunity as identified by the City of Charlotte.
  • You will be asked to provide proof of physical business address inside one of the six Corridors of Opportunity by uploading TWO documents from the list below:
    • North Carolina Secretary of State registration with matching address
    • Copy of current lease agreement
    • Utility bill under business name
    • Recorded deed from Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds
    • NC Sales & Use tax registration or exemption certificate
    • Business zoning receipt
    • Bank Statement
    • Tax Return
• Requirement 2
  • At least one full year of operation beginning on or before August 1, 2022. You will be asked to provide proof with one of the following documents showing both the business name and a business date on or before August 1, 2022:
    • North Carolina Secretary of State registration
    • Copy lease agreement / mortgage statement
    • Utility bill under business name
    • Register of Deeds with Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds.
    • NC Sales & Use tax registration or exemption certificate
    • Business zoning receipt
    • Bank statement
• Requirement 3
  • For-profit organization. Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s are not eligible to apply in Round 2.
• Requirement 4
  • Minimum annual revenue of $30k and a maximum annual revenue of $5M. (Note: revenue to be verified by tax return information.)
• Requirement 5
  • Fewer than 200 full and/or part-time employees. (Note: owners should count themselves as an employee for this grant program).
• Requirement 6
  • If a franchise, it must be locally owned and independent.
• Requirement 7
  • Required documents and information. The information and documentation below will be required based on the amount of Round 2 grant.

For more information, visit Foundation For The Carolinas.