Western Sampson Commerce Group kicked off the application window for small business grants made possible by Duke Energy Thursday with a meal, some words from both WSCG President Tate Naylor, and Duke Energy District Manager Pam Hardy, and the official opening to the grant applications for small businesses in Roseboro, Salemburg, and Autryville.
The monthly meetings of the group are often a time for networking, developing relationships with fellow community business owners around Western Sampson County, but this meeting was unique. Business owners, local government officials, and members of WSCG alike gathered in anticipation for the first of what Naylor said he hopes will be many grants for local small business owners, now that the group is a certified nonprofit.
Western Sampson Commerce Group, Inc. has worked to become a North Carolina Secretary of State certified non-profit 501c3 organization in the last year, and the group’s primary purpose is to promote economic and industrial growth within and around the towns of Autryville, Roseboro, Salemburg and nearby communities in the western part of the county.
The group was founded in the 1980s, and as Naylor shared, “our mission from 1986 still remains the same — to support the businesses here, but also attract new development.”
Naylor explained that the group meets regularly at Lakewood Country Club, and will continue to do so, but now with the newly obtained 501c3 status, classifying the group as a nonprofit, it will be able to receive grant partnerships, and “in turn help businesses and grow the community.”
Hardy, who serves Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Pender, and Sampson counties, represented Duke Energy at the Thursday lunch, and shared the hope and excitement her organization has in funding small business grants in western Sampson County.
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. They are our neighbors and provide opportunities to gather.” said Hardy.
“By working through trusted partners, we’re helping entrepreneurs access the funding and support they need to grow, inspire economic development and continue serving customers who depend on them every day,” the district manager stressed.
The grant applications are now officially open, and will remain open until the Wednesday, Oct. 16. Small businesses located in Roseboro, Salemburg, or Autryville are eligible.
More information and applications for the Small Business Support Grant are available by emailing [email protected].