DAI Receives $25,000 Grant from Duke Energy Foundation

Downtown Asheboro Inc. Receives $25,000 Grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to Support Small Businesses

ASHEBORO, N.C. — August 26, 2026 — Downtown Asheboro Inc. (DAI) has received a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to support small businesses in downtown Asheboro through the Downtown Asheboro Business Boost Grant Program.

This is the second time DAI has received funding through Duke Energy Foundation’s small business grant initiative. The funding will allow DAI to provide grants of up to $2,500 to eligible downtown small businesses for projects that help businesses start, grow, adapt, and sustain their operations.

Eligible uses include projects that help businesses serve customers and grow, such as improving physical space, upgrading technology, expanding service capacity, and purchasing furniture, accessibility upgrades, or health-compliance fixtures. Funds may also support storefront beautification—like paint, awnings, signage, or planters—and, workforce improvements such as recruitment and employee training.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for continuing to invest in Downtown Asheboro and our local small businesses,” said Addie Corder, Downtown Development Manager. “Small businesses are essential to the vitality of our downtown, and this funding gives us another opportunity to provide direct support to the businesses that make our community thrive.”

The grant is part of the Duke Energy Foundation’s efforts to strengthen small business ecosystems and expand economic opportunity throughout North Carolina.

“Small businesses play an important role in creating vibrant communities and strong local economies,” said Duke Energy Representative, Hank Henning. “We’re proud to support Downtown Asheboro Inc. and its efforts to provide local businesses with the resources they need to grow, adapt and succeed. By investing in small businesses, we’re helping create jobs, fuel local economic growth and strengthen the communities that make North Carolina such a great place to live and work.”

Applications for the Downtown Asheboro Business Boost Grant Program will open September 1, 2026, and will be accepted through September 30, 2026. Additional program information and application materials will be available at downtownasheboro.com beginning September 1.