NC IDEA, a private foundation committed to supporting entrepreneurial ambition and economic empowerment in North Carolina, announced today that the organization will kick off its Spring 2026 Grant Cycle with information sessions throughout the state. The sessions will highlight NC IDEA’s two upcoming grant opportunities supporting ambitious, growth-oriented companies:

• NC IDEA MICRO awards small, project-based grants in the amount of $10K to young companies looking to validate assumptions and develop a business model.

NC IDEA MICRO and SEED grant applications open on January 26, 2026, and close on February 23, 2026, at 5 p.m. EDT. 

Interested applicants may attend any of the following information sessions to hear about NC IDEA’s grant opportunities and gain insight into how to write a competitive application, and learn more about how to apply, what NC IDEA looks for in an application, and which opportunity may be most appropriate and beneficial for their company.

• Wilmington Info Session – Monday, Jan. 26 at 12 p.m.

In addition to the information sessions, applicants may schedule Virtual Office Hours beginning Jan. 12 and explore additional resources at https://ncidea.org/spring-2026-grant-cycle. 

NC IDEA is an independent private foundation committed to equitably empowering North Carolinians to achieve their entrepreneurial potential. Through our powerful combination of competitive grants and programs and a network of strategic partners, we help entrepreneurs when they need it most. NC IDEA’s resources are highly competitive, enabling the Foundation to support North Carolina’s most ambitious entrepreneurs. We believe entrepreneurs transform communities and view our work as a catalyst for positive change. Learn more at www.ncidea.org.