Home – NC IDEA

Our LABS toolkit helps entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of operating a successful company through our customer discovery guide, office hours, and information sessions.

GRANTS

Our MICRO and SEED grants are typically the initial source of outside capital for young, growth-oriented companies looking to advance their business.

COMPANIES

Beyond funding, we aim to tell the stories of our MICRO and SEED grant recipients throughout their entrepreneurial journey.

FOR THE ECOSYSTEM

Strengthening Economic Opportunity for All Communities

GRANTS

Our ENGAGE and ECOSYSTEM grants support statewide entrepreneurial activity and strengthen the infrastructure for North Carolina’s entrepreneurs.

PARTNERS

By working together with our network of statewide partners, we achieve our shared goals of advancing entrepreneurship in the state of North Carolina.

ECOSYSTEM SUMMIT

Entrepreneurship advocates come together to collaborate and address what is needed to support all entrepreneurs, creating a shared vision of making North Carolina the best place to start and grow a business.

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DEVIL'S FOOT

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GRANTS AWARDED

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FUNDING RAISED BY GRANTEES

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COMPANIES SERVED

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JOBS CREATED

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“The money is good, but the people and network behind NC IDEA are awesome. We learned a ton going through the application and pitch process and are continuing to leverage the resources available after the grant award. I highly recommend applying, even if just to get free and high quality feedback about your company.”

Jason MooreElite HRV, SEED Grant Recipient

"NC IDEA walks the talk. They didn't just write RIoT a check, but spent considerable time looking for ways to truly collaborate. That attitude - and their time and effort working with us and startups we support - continues to this day, well past the grant period.”

Tom SnyderRIoT, ECOSYSTEM Grant Recipient

“Research Triangle Foundation’s work has always been about more than the Park. Our mission, which has been the same since RTP’s founding in 1959, tasks us with creating economic impact for all North Carolinians. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to do so through NC IDEA’s ECOSYSTEM grant program.”

Linda HallNCInnovation

“It is hard for me to imagine Social Cascade being here without NC IDEA. NC IDEA funds gave us the ability to not only survive, but thrive. We were able to expand capacity, do more, and achieve more thanks to NC IDEA. We are honored to be a recipient of a SEED grant and part of the growing NC IDEA community.”

Scott McQuigganSocial Cascade, SEED Grant Recipient

"NC IDEA was absolutely instrumental in helping me get my idea off the ground and to make the right connections. It was also instrumental in helping me understand the value of my product and how to communicate that value to potential customers."

Marcus HowardRosa Technology, MICRO and SEED Grant Recipient

NC IDEA MINDSET

NC IDEA ECOSYSTEM

2024 SUMMIT

Statewide Distribution of Total Grants by Region

NC BLACK
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
COUNCIL

Elevating Black Entrepreneurship in North Carolina

FOCUS ON DIVERSITY

NC BLACK
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
COUNCIL

Elevating Black Entrepreneurship in North Carolina