The Lifting Up Small Businesses in Greenville-Pitt County Grant Program is designed to connect local small businesses with the financial resources they need to grow, expand, and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of our communities.  Through this program, eligible businesses will have the opportunity to apply for improvement mini-grants of at least $5,000, along with access to valuable training and resources to support their long-term success.

This initiative is made possible through the generous support of Optimum Business, with grants administered by the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce.

There will be one round of grant distribution in 2025.

Please make sure you carefully read the information under each section and understand the application guidelines as outlined below.

• Small business must have 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees
• Small business located within county limits of Pitt County - zip codes: (28513, 27827, 27834, 27858, 28530, 27837, 27879, 27884, 28590)
• Small business operates out of a brick-and-mortar commercial space located in Pitt County
• The business must demonstrate in the application that the funding will both help them expand their business and improve the community where they operate.
• Been in existence for a minimum of one year at the time of application.
• The funding must be utilized by April 30, 2026.
• The business must agree to be included in promotional materials for the Grant and when the project is completed to illustrate the success of the program.
• Must pass a business background check.  This grant program will be supported by the NC SBTDC (Small Business & Technology Development Center) who will provide business counseling and evaluation services to all applicants who seek funding.  These services may include a review of your business plans, financials, market strategy, and other proprietary or confidential information submitted during the grant evaluation process.

Please note: Membership with the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce or status as an Optimum Business customer will not be considered in application evaluation.

• Application portal opens June 9, 2025
• Application portal closes July 18, 2025
• Grantees announced in August 2025

The grants can be used for projects that will improve both the business and the community where they are located.

• Grant funds may be used for beautification projects such as (must have written approval from the property owner to apply for beautification projects):
  • Facade improvements
  • Exterior Signage
  • Landscaping
• Grant funds may be used for marketing such as:
  • Multi-media campaigns
  • Website improvements
  • Printed materials
• Grant funds may be used for business development such as:
  • Product expansion
  • Interior remodeling
• Grant funds may NOT be used for:
  • Staffing
  • Payment of delinquent taxes
  • Retiring existing debt and liabilities
  • Rolling stock

• The Grant Program is managed by the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce and funded by Optimum Business.
• The authority to approve grants rests entirely with the Selection Committee, which will evaluate applications for both eligibility and the applicant’s preparedness to receive funding.
• All projects must be completed by April 30, 2026.
• All grantees will be required to sign a Letter of Agreement with Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce which summarizes the scope of the project and amount of grant, and reporting requirements.
• All grantees will submit a final report including photographs, copies of receipts, and explanation of meeting grant outcomes.
• Should the grantee sell the business or cease operations of the business prior to the completion of the grant agreement, all grant funds must be repaid to the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce.

Eligible applicants must pass a business background check and receive an application evaluation administered by the NC SBTDC (Small Business & Technology Development Center), who will provide business counseling and evaluation services to all applicants who seek funding.  These services may include a review of your business plans, financials, market strategy, and other proprietary or confidential information submitted during the grant evaluation process.  Applicants are encouraged to register for a business background check/application evaluation before proceeding with the completion of the grant application form.

Register For Application Evaluation Here

Applicants that do not register for a business background check/application evaluation with the SBTDC will not be eligible to receive grant funding.

• A completed application including but not limited to;
• A brief history of the business.
• A description of the business’ products or services.
• An explanation of the business’ competitive advantage and what makes it special.
• Photo of business owner submitting the application
• Photo of front of the business brick and mortar property
• If applicable, written approval from the property owner to apply for beautification projects.
• Business logo
• Employee Identification Number (EIN)

For questions regarding the Lifting Up Small Businesses in Greenville-Pitt County Grant, please call the chamber at (252) 752-4101.