Who is eligible?

To be eligible, businesses must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Located in New Hanover County (including the unincorporated area, City of Wilmington, and the towns of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach)
  • At least one of the owners is a New Hanover County resident
  • More than one and less than 25 employees (including full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees)
  • Existing commercial enterprise that has been in operation for more than 6 months, with a valid Tax ID
  • Experienced layoffs, furloughs, expenditures or loss of revenue due to COVID-19
  • In good tax standing with all Federal, State and local governments (or have a payment plan in place prior to March 10, when Governor Roy Cooper declared a statewide state of emergency)

Show All Answers

1. Who is eligible?
2. Who isn’t eligible?
3. How many businesses will receive grants?
4. How much are the grants?
5. How much time do I have to spend the grant funds?
6. Do I have to pay the grant back?
7. What happens if I don’t spend all $10,000?
8. What happens if the money is spent on something other than an eligible use?
9. What can I use the money for?
10. What can I not use the money for?
11. Do I have to pay taxes on this money?
12. Where is the money coming from?
13. Why are you doing this program?
14. How do I apply?
15. How are you going to pick who gets the grants?
16. If I’m selected, how will you notify me?
17. If I’m selected, what do I have to provide?
18. What happens if I don’t provide all of the necessary documentation?
19. If I’m selected, how will I get the money?
20. What if I’m not selected?
21. When will you disburse the money?
22. Am I eligible if I live outside of New Hanover County, but my business is in New Hanover County; or I live in New Hanover County, but my business is outside the county?
23. Am I eligible if I live in New Hanover County, but my business partner lives elsewhere?
24. Who can I contact with questions?