- Twenty nonprofits will provide microgrants and business support to hundreds of local entrepreneurs across the state
- Grants are a continuation of North Carolina small businesses support, with over $3 million since 2020
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Duke Energy Foundation is providing $500,000 in grants to North Carolina organizations that help small businesses start, grow and thrive.
Our view: "Small businesses are woven into the fabric of our communities. They're the restaurants where neighbors gather, the childcare centers that help parents stay in the workforce and the downtown storefronts that give a town its identity," said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina president. "By working through trusted partners, we're helping entrepreneurs access the resources they need to grow, create jobs and continue serving the people who depend on them every day."
Where the money goes: $25,000 grants have been awarded to 20 nonprofits that will provide microgrants to individual small businesses from the mountains to the coast. Funded projects will reflect the unique needs of local communities, such as supporting downtown revitalization and storefront improvements, helping businesses invest in equipment, technology and e-commerce capabilities or providing mentorship, technical assistance or business training.
- Arts Davidson County (Davidson)
- Clayton Chamber Foundation (Johnston)
- Davidson-Davie Community College Foundation (Davidson, Davie)
- Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership (Wilkes)
- Elevents (Henderson)
- Greater Fayetteville Chamber Foundation (Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke and surrounding counties)
- Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development Partnership (Onslow)
- Partners for Children & Families (Moore)
- Reidsville Downtown Corporation (Rockingham)
- Town of Magnolia (Duplin)
| - Asheville Downtown Association Foundation (Buncombe)
- Davidson College (Mecklenburg, Iredell, Cabarrus, Gaston, Lincoln)
- Downtown Asheboro (Randolph)
- Dunn Area Chamber Foundation (Harnett)
- Forever Bonded (Edgecombe, Wilson, Johnston, Pitt, Nash, Cumberland, New Hanover, Wake)
- The Foundation of the Home Builders Association of Durham Orange & Chatham Counties (Chatham, Durham, Orange)
- Montcross Tomorrow Chamber Foundation (Gaston)
- Region A Foundation (Graham, Jackson, Macon, Swain and portions of Cherokee)
- The Surry County Economic Development Foundation (Surry)
- Western Sampson Commerce Group (Sampson)
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Duke Energy Foundation
Duke Energy Foundation provides nearly $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs.
More information is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for stories about the people and innovations powering its communities.
Contact: Madison McDonald
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
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SOURCE Duke Energy
FAQ
What small business support is Duke Energy (DUK) providing in North Carolina in 2026?
Duke Energy is providing $500,000 in 2026 grants to North Carolina nonprofits that assist small businesses. According to Duke Energy, 20 organizations will each receive $25,000 to distribute microgrants and support services to hundreds of entrepreneurs across communities from the mountains to the coast.
How many nonprofits are receiving Duke Energy (DUK) small business grants on August 13, 2026?
Twenty nonprofits are receiving Duke Energy Foundation grants announced on August 13, 2026. According to Duke Energy, each organization will receive $25,000 to provide microgrants, mentorship, technical assistance, business training and other support tailored to the needs of local small businesses across North Carolina.
How much has Duke Energy (DUK) invested in North Carolina small businesses since 2020?
Duke Energy has provided over $3 million in support to North Carolina small businesses since 2020. According to Duke Energy, the new $500,000 in 2026 grants continues this commitment by funding nonprofits that offer microgrants and business services to local entrepreneurs statewide.
What types of projects will the Duke Energy (DUK) small business grants fund in North Carolina?
The grants will fund projects like downtown revitalization, storefront improvements, and investments in equipment, technology and e-commerce. According to Duke Energy, nonprofits may also use funds for mentorship, technical assistance and business training aligned with the unique needs of their local communities.
Which regions and communities in North Carolina will benefit from Duke Energy (DUK) 2026 small business grants?
The program will benefit communities across North Carolina, from the mountains to the coast, through 20 local nonprofits. According to Duke Energy, recipients include groups in counties such as Buncombe, Davidson, Cumberland, Onslow, Surry, Sampson and others supporting regional entrepreneurs.
How is the Duke Energy Foundation funded and how much does it give annually?
The Duke Energy Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders and provides nearly $30 million in annual philanthropic support. According to Duke Energy, these funds address community needs in areas where its electric and natural gas customers live and work across several U.S. states.
What is Duke Energy’s (NYSE: DUK) core utility business alongside its philanthropic grants?
Duke Energy is an energy holding company whose electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers and own 55,700 megawatts of capacity. According to Duke Energy, its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers as it executes an energy modernization strategy in multiple U.S. states.
