TRENTON, N.C. – This week, the Duke Energy Foundation announced it has granted $25,000 to Jones County’s Committee of 100 to support small businesses looking to expand, upgrade technology and improve storefronts in Jones County.

The grant is part of $700,000 in new funding made available to North Carolina small businesses in partnership with community development organizations like Jones County’s Committee of 100. Small business grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 will be distributed through 20 community organizations to support retail shops, restaurants and other small businesses looking to expand, upgrade technology and improve downtown storefronts.

Now in its fourth year, the program has provided over $2 million in funding to small businesses since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Duke Energy Foundation’s small business grant program has helped fuel a resurgence of entrepreneurial small businesses ranging from bookstores to restaurants in our state,” said Kendal Bowman, North Carolina State President for Duke Energy. “These small business grants ensure Main Streets across North Carolina are well positioned to benefit from our state’s unprecedented economic growth.”

Small businesses play a critical role in the state’s economic health and employ nearly half of North Carolina’s workforce, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

“We are thankful for the Duke Energy Foundation and their dedication to supporting local small businesses in Jones County,” said Kyle Koonce, President of Jones County’s Committee of 100. “It is because of grants, such as this, that we can attract not only new businesses, but the families that come along with them to live and thrive in our community. This grant will allow us the opportunity to invest in our economic development for the betterment of our county. Thanks again for the continued support!”

Applications can be found online at jonescountync.gov, on paper at Jones County Tax Office Drive-Thru(418 Hwy 58 N, Trenton, NC 28585), or by email through jbender@jonescountync.gov. Questions can be directed to John Bender, Economic Development Director at 252-617-6165 or jbender@jonescountync.gov.

For more information on the Duke Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit duke-
energy.com/Foundation.