About Us
WE EMPOWER NORTH CAROLINIANS TO
ACHIEVE THEIR ENTREPRENEURIAL POTENTIAL
OUR MISSION
Strengthen the economy of North Carolina through a strategic combination of grants and programs, deployed directly and through a network of partners, in furtherance of our Vision to help people achieve their entrepreneurial potential.
NC IDEA is an independent private, 501(c)(3) foundation whose vision is to help North Carolinians achieve their entrepreneurial ambition to start and grow high potential companies. NC IDEA fosters sustainable economic development with competitive grants and programs for entrepreneurs and funding to strengthen the North Carolina entrepreneurial ecosystem. NC IDEA offers grant funding and support on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
core values
ENTREPRENEURIAL
We foster innovation and challenge the status quo.
AMBITIOUS
We believe in taking risks and maintaining resilience in the face of adversity.
CANDID
We engage in communication that is respectful, transparent and direct.
EQUITABLE
We prioritize diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration.
CATALYTIC
We lead and inspire new thinking in economic development.
IMPACTFUL
We measure success by the value we create for our constituents.
HISTORY
HISTORY
NC BEC
NC BEC
COMPANIES
COMPANIES
PARTNERS
PARTNERS
Our Impact
Our Impact
$23+ MILLION IN GRANTS AWARDED
NC IDEA’s work focuses on the simple but powerful goal of expanding North Carolina’s economic development efforts via entrepreneurship, namely, empowering more people to pursue their entrepreneurial ambition to start and grow high potential companies, while realizing such actions’ economic benefits. Our activities reflect an investment in the potential to grow, from within the State, the companies that will create the jobs and wealth that strengthen the economy and build diverse communities.
The team at NC IDEA shares the vision and values of the ecosystem we serve. We value collaboration, both with each other, and within the broader community.
