Seeking Applications from Innovative Startups for NC IDEA MICRO and NC IDEA SEED, Starting January 26th
DURHAM, NC – December 17, 2025 – NC IDEA, a private foundation committed to supporting entrepreneurial ambition and economic empowerment in North Carolina, announced todaythat the organization will kick off its Spring 2026 Grant Cycle with information sessions throughout the state. The sessions will highlight NC IDEA’s two upcoming grant opportunities supporting ambitious, growth-oriented companies:
- NC IDEA MICRO awards small, project-based grants in the amount of $10K to young companies looking to validate assumptions and develop a business model.
- NC IDEA SEED offers early stage companies the critical funding they need to scale faster. The $50K grants are awarded to innovative startups with a proven concept – even if they are not yet profitable.
NC IDEA MICRO and SEED grant applications open on January 26, 2026, and close on February 23, 2026, at 5:00 PMEDT. Interested applicants may attend any of the following information sessions to hear about NC IDEA’s grant opportunities and gain insight into how to write a competitive application, and learn more about how to apply, what NC IDEA looks for in an application, and which opportunity may be most appropriate and beneficial for their company.
- Info Session via WEBINAR – Monday, January 12 at 3:00 PM
- Triangle Info Session – Wednesday, January 14 at 9:30 AM
- Charlotte Info Session – Thursday, January 15 at 6:00 PM
- Winston-Salem Info Session – Wednesday, January 21 at 12:00 PM
- Asheville Info Session – Friday, January 23 at 12:00 PM
- Wilmington Info Session – Monday, January 26 at 12:00 PM
In addition to the information sessions, applicants may schedule Virtual Office Hours beginning January 12 and explore additional resources at https://ncidea.org/spring-2026-grant-cycle. NC IDEA MICRO and NC IDEA SEED grant applications open on January 26, 2026, and close on February 23, 2026, at 5:00 PMEDT.
About NC IDEA Foundation
NC IDEA is an independent private foundation committed to equitably empowering North Carolinians to achieve their entrepreneurial potential. Through our powerful combination of competitive grants and programs and a network of strategic partners, we help entrepreneurs when they need it most. NC IDEA’s resources are highly competitive, enabling the Foundation to support North Carolina’s most ambitious entrepreneurs. We believe entrepreneurs transform communities and view our work as a catalyst for positive change. Learn more at www.ncidea.org.