Applications are now open for Mountain BizWorks’ Catalyst Building Resiliency Micro-Grant Program. This new round of funding is designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs and small business owners who face barriers to accessing traditional capital across Western North Carolina. Applications will be accepted through Monday, August 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
This grant funding is part of Mountain BizWorks’ Catalyst program, which works to accelerate business growth for entrepreneurs who face economic barriers by expanding access to capital, tools, and support. With this launch, Mountain BizWorks will award micro-grants starting at $1,000 to startups and emerging businesses. Grants may be used for a variety of purposes, including marketing and advertising, business equipment or supplies, technology and software, operational improvements, or professional coaching support. Applicants with especially compelling needs or plans may be considered for additional grant funding.
Catalyst Program staff are eager to see this round of funding reach new entrepreneurs across the region. “As much as helping clients build resiliency, we see this program as a way to welcome more entrepreneurs into our supportive network and help them build the entrepreneurial mindset they need to grow,” said Lucious Wilson, Catalyst Program Director. “We’re working together to build a greater WNC entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
To be eligible, applicants must operate an independently owned, for-profit business in Western North Carolina and meet requirements in two areas. First, the business must be early-stage, either generating revenue for less than five years or carrying annual gross revenues under $150,000. Second, owners must demonstrate economic need based on household income below 80% of Area Median Income, household net worth under $100,000 (excluding primary residence), or location in a census tract with a poverty rate of 20% or higher. Additional income and net worth caps apply.
Visit the program website for full eligibility details.
The grant deadline is August 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m., and selected applicants will be notified on a rolling basis beginning August 1, 2026. To apply or learn more, visit mountainbizworks.org/catalyst-grants.
Questions? Contact Tiarra Wilkie, Catalyst Program Manager, at tiarra@mountainbizworks.org.
