Financial Resources

Looking to expand your business?  Need access to capital to bring your company to the next level?  Many programs and resources are available to support your business; from loan guarantee programs, a comprehensive list of lenders, technical assistance with loan applications to information about government grants.

• NC Capital Access Program (NC-CAP) NC-CAP partners with banks and other qualified lenders to reduce lender risks, enabling loans to businesses that might not otherwise qualify for financing. It is expected to free up to $800 million in capital for North Carolina’s small businesses over the next two years.
• Capital Access Network (CAN)  CAN facilitates the process of accessing government loan guarantee programs for both businesses and participating banks. To access CAN call BLNC at (800) 228-8443 or www.canislending.com
• The North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center runs the Microenterprise Loan Program and the Rural Venture Fund offering a variety of financing options for business start-ups and expansions in rural North Carolina.
• The Small Business and Technology Center’s Capital Opportunities for Small Businesses provides financial resources available to businesses in North Carolina.
• Self-Help Commercial Lending targets loan products to companies and nonprofits whose financing needs are not met by traditional lenders. 
• The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers numerous financing programs to assist small businesses.
• The USDA Rural Development Business & Industry guarantee loan program designed to assist rural communities.
• First Flight Venture Center (FFVC) The FFVC is a technology incubator whose mission is to increase the number of technology companies originating in or relocating to North Carolina.

In most cases, loan applications require a well thought-out business plan, including financial projections.

Grant Resources
The following grants are administered by the North Carolina Board of Science and Technology: 

• The North Carolina Green Business Fund provides competitive grants to help NC small businesses develop the following industries:

            Biofuels
            Green building 
            Renewable energy
            Environmentally conscious technologies

• The One North Carolina SBIR/STTR Phase I Incentive Program reimburses qualified North Carolina firms for a portion of the costs incurred in preparing and submitting Phase I proposals for the U.S. Government’s Small Business Innovation Research Program and Small Business Technology Transfer Program.
• The One North Carolina SBIR/STTR Phase I Matching Funds Program is designed to award matching funds to North Carolina firms who have been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research Program or Small Business Technology Transfer Program Phase I award.

Federal grant information can be found at the following websites: 

• Grants.gov is the single access point for over 1,000 grant programs offered by all Federal grant making agencies. 
• The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) gives you access to a database of federal programs available.

Offering Securities in North Carolina
You may be considering offering corporate stock, shares in a limited partnership or some other security to help fund your start-up. Security offers and sales in North Carolina are subject to the North Carolina Securities Act.Call the Secretary of State, Securities Division at (919) 733-3924 or (800) 688-4507 for more information.