Duke Energy Foundation Grant Strengthens Support for Surry County’s Small Businesses

Surry County, N.C.— The Surry County Economic Development Foundation has been awarded a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to further support the Surry Summit Small Business Grants, an ongoing initiative dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening Surry County’s small business ecosystem.

The Duke Energy Foundation’s investment enhances the existing Surry Summit Small Business Grants program, allowing local partners to expand financial assistance and technical support for small businesses across the county. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Surry County Economic Development Partnership (SCEDP) and the Surry Community College Small Business Center, designed to provide both capital and hands-on guidance to businesses at various stages of growth.

“The Surry Summit Small Business Grants reflect our shared commitment to investing in the people who drive Surry County’s economy forward,” said Blake Moyer, President of the Surry County Economic Development Partnership. “Through this grant, we’re able to remove barriers for entrepreneurs, support business growth at every stage, and strengthen our local small business ecosystem. We’re incredibly grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for believing in this work and helping us turn vision into tangible opportunity for our community. The Surry County Economic Development Foundation is excited for the steps ahead and everything to come through this exciting initiative.”

The funding from the Duke Energy Foundation allows the program to further its impact by supporting eligible expenses such as equipment and technology purchases, inventory, renovations, and other investments that help local businesses grow, adapt, and remain competitive.

“This small business support initiative, developed in collaboration with the Surry County Economic Development Partnership, is about meeting local entrepreneurs where they are in their business journey,” said Lesa Hensley, Director of the Small Business Center. “The initiative is designed to help established businesses grow and scale while equipping new start-ups with the support necessary for a successful launch. Thanks to the generous support of the Duke Energy Foundation, we are able to combine capital access with hands-on coaching and economic development expertise to strengthen individual businesses

and build a more resilient, job-creating small business ecosystem for Surry County.”

The Duke Energy Foundation’s grant is part of a broader statewide effort to support small business capacity-building and economic resilience in communities across North Carolina. In Surry County, the funding reinforces a proven initiative that continues to play a key role in fostering entrepreneurship, job creation, and long-term economic vitality.

More information about the Surry Summit Small Business Grants and ongoing support opportunities is available through the Surry Community College Small Business Center and the Surry County Economic Development Partnership.