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

Follow our progression to empower North Carolinians to achieve their entrepreneurial potential

HISTORY

Follow our progression to empower North Carolinians to achieve their entrepreneurial potential

NC BEC

Learn about the work being done to address the challenges of Black entrepreneurship in NC

NC BEC

Learn about the work being done to address the challenges of Black entrepreneurship in NC

COMPANIES

Meet the innovative companies who have received grants since our inception in 2006

COMPANIES

Meet the innovative companies who have received grants since our inception in 2006

PARTNERS

Meet the grant recipients who share our goal of advancing entrepreneurship in NC

PARTNERS

Meet the grant recipients who share our goal of advancing entrepreneurship in NC

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.

MEET THE TEAM

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.