Southport, NC – Downtown Southport, Inc.(DSI) was one of 30 non-profits across North Carolina that was chosen by the Duke Energy Foundation to administer a small-business microgrant program. The goal of the program is to help local businesses (from restaurants to retailers) adapt to the unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Microgrants will range from $500 to $2,500 per qualifying business/applicant.

To qualify for the Southport Hometown Revitalization Grant Program, a small business must have less than 50 employees, have an active EIN, be a taxpaying entity and be operaitng within the City limits of Southport.

The program is intended to help small businesses recover or “pivot” as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A pivot may include adding enhanced serivce or commerce space, improving e-commerce sites for online sales or expanding capacity for delivering goods and services. Some expenditures may include furniture for exapnded outdoor dining, construction costs for take-out windows, additional fixtures required for compliance with public health issues, etc.

For detailed information on the Program, a complete list of qualifications and a grant application, please visit DSI’s website at www.DowntownSouthport.com or the City’s website at www.CityofSouthport.com. For more information, business owners may call 910.279.4616 or 910.475.7920 and leave their number and email address to receive a return call.

Applications must be postmarked by November 24, 2021 to qualify. Recipients will be announced January 10, 2022.

Downtown Southport Inc. is a 501C3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the heritage and charm of downtown Southport through encouraging and supporting preservation projects, cultural events, educational programs, tourism as well as responsible economic growth in the downtown area, making Southport a vital vibrant year-round community for citizens and guests. For more information about DSI, please visit www.DowntownSouthport.com.

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy’s customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts, and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.Duke-Energy.com/Foundation.