Business Resources

Administered by the Economic & Community Development Department, the City of Fayetteville offers down payment assistance or gap loan to assist new and existing small businesses. This program is property-oriented, meaning the City will provide a subordinated loan of up to $125,000 for the small business to use towards the purchase of their own commercial property within the Fayetteville city limits. The business must be willing to create and/or retain jobs for low- to moderate-income persons. View the application and apply online for the Business Assistance Loan Program.

Business Assistance Loan Program(PDF, 269KB)

The City offers financial assistance to small businesses or commercial property owners that lease to small businesses to improve their business property's façade. To qualify for the grant, the property must be in the City's low moderate-income qualified block groups areas (LowMod Area).

The program provides a one-time reimbursement of matching funds up to $25,000 per property. Projects exceeding $25,000 MAY be eligible for matching reimbursement based on the discretion of the ECD Director and Grant Committee. Factors for approval include but are not limited to impact in redevelopment areas, securing job growth, and securing increased taxable value.

The applicant is eligible for a 50 percent reimbursement on expenses equal to or less than $25,000. A qualification requirement includes having a signed agreement before the commencement of work. Apply for the Commercial Exterior Grant Program Online.

Commercial Exterior Grant Program(PDF, 3MB)

Looking to start a small business?

While the City offers grants and loans to assist business owners with small business development, we also partner with various community organizations that also support business growth and entrepreneurship.

Additional small business resources:

• Fayetteville & Cumberland County Entrepreneur Support Contacts(PDF, 1MB)
• Center for Economic Empowerment and Development (CEED)
• NC Institute of Minority Economic Development
• N.C. Rural Economic Development Center
• Small Business Technology and Development Center (SBTDC) at Fayetteville State University
• Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Brian Hamilton Foundation
• Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
• Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Greater Fayetteville Chamber
• The Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub
• SCORE
• Fayetteville-Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur and Business HUB

Listed below are small business programs and resources available through various organizations:

• EDA University Center at Fayetteville State University
• Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC)
• Greater Fayetteville Chamber

Need help writing your Business Plan?

The following organizations can provide assistance with writing a business plan as well as providing other technical assistance:

• Fayetteville State University Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
• Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) Small Business Center
• Center for Economic Empowerment and Development (CEED)
• Women’s Business Center of Fayetteville
• The Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub

Exiting the Military and want to start a business?

• Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Operation Boots to Business (B2B)
• Military Transition Readiness
• Fayetteville State University Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
• Program and Veteran Pledge Initiative
• Center for Economic Empowerment and Development (CEED)
• Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs

Have a criminal background but want to start your own business?

• Inmates to Entrepreneurs (I2E)
• I2E Eight-week course

Additional Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance is designed to provide entrepreneurs and small business owners with targeted support, guidance, and resources. It aims to help small business owners prepare for success by addressing specific needs, challenges, or areas for improvement within their businesses. Economic & Community Development conducts an assessment of each small business owner's needs and goals, and tailors their support accordingly. This may include assistance with business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, or other aspects of the business.

Cool Spring Downtown District: The Cool Spring Downtown District Inc. (CSDD) is a charitable, nonprofit corporation formed to create and sustain an arts and entertainment district in downtown Fayetteville, as a vibrant center of artistic, cultural, civic, and commercial activity. CSDD provides support and guidance for anyone that is interested in doing business in downtown Fayetteville by connecting them to the available local resources and requirements of operating a business downtown.

Small Business startup development programs can also be utilized for downtown businesses.

Read additional information regarding the Downtown Social District.

Contracting Opportunities

City Purchasing
The City of Fayetteville purchases goods, services, systems, equipment and supplies as a centralized function under Purchasing and Contracting. We have a team of procurement specialists and buyers who conduct this work and who specialized in certain products and services. Your business is important to us and we welcome all potential vendors to seek opportunities with the City. Click below to learn more about doing business with the City.

Additional Resources Available through Various Organizations

• North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC)
  North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) provides guidance and information on newly released federal business opportunities.
• Historically Underutilized Business
  The N.C. Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses promotes economic opportunities for historically underutilized businesses in state government contracting and procurement that will foster their growth and profitability.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Government Contracting Resources
  Includes the HUBZone Program.
• Small Business Technology and Development Center (SBTDC)
  Provides guidance on selling to the government. The North Carolina Government Contracting Assistance Program (GCAP) educates business associates on how to obtain contracts by providing comprehensive assistance in selling products and services to local, state and federal government agencies.
• U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
  Advocates for small business owners located in the Southeast Sunbelt Region. Their mission to promote increased access for small businesses to GSA’s nationwide procurement opportunities.