Friends of Downtown Hendersonville Awarded $25,000 Grant from Duke Energy Foundation to Support Downtown Businesses

Friends of Downtown Hendersonville Awarded $25,000 Grant from Duke Energy Foundation to Support Downtown Businesses

Friends of Downtown Hendersonville has received a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to support its Downtown Business Improvement Grant Program, providing financial assistance to businesses in Hendersonville’s Main Street and 7th Avenue districts.

The grant is part of a larger commitment from Duke Energy Carolinas and its Foundation to support the vitality of communities across North Carolina, including Hendersonville.

The funding will expand the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville’s Business Improvement Grant Program, which provides small grants to help downtown businesses make improvements that strengthen their businesses and contribute to the appearance, character, and vitality of Downtown Hendersonville.

Grant funding will support three types of projects:

• Pivot Grants – Supporting creative projects that improve business operations, customer experiences, marketing, merchandise, outdoor environments, and other aspects of a business.
• Façade Grants – Supporting exterior improvements that enhance the appearance and character of downtown buildings and storefronts, including painting, signage, lighting, and other improvements.
• Mural Grants – Supporting the creation, installation, and enhancement of murals that contribute to Downtown Hendersonville’s creative character and visual appeal.

Individual grants will generally be available for up to $1,500, with additional funding potentially available for larger façade and mural projects based on project scope and available funds.

“The goal of this program is to put resources directly into the hands of downtown businesses and help them make improvements that have a visible and lasting impact,” said Jamie Carpenter, Downtown Manager with the City of Hendersonville. “Whether it is a small storefront improvement, a new mural, or a creative project that enhances the customer experience, these investments help strengthen individual businesses while contributing to the overall vitality of downtown.”

Applications for the Downtown Business Improvement Grant Program will open September 15, 2026, with applications due October 26, 2026. Businesses located within the Main Street and 7th Avenue Municipal Service Districts are eligible to apply.

Applicants considering a larger façade improvement project are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Jamie Carpenter, Downtown Manager, prior to submitting an application to discuss the project and determine whether additional façade or mural grant funding may be available.

For more information about the Downtown Business Improvement Grant Program, visit hvlnc.gov/downtowngrants.

For more information on the Duke Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit duke-energy.com/Foundation.