Grow! Highland County launches new grant program to invest in local businesses
Grow! Highland County is taking a new approach to supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses with the launch of its newly created Hometown Business Grant Program.
Since its founding in 2010, the organization has primarily served as a resource for small businesses, connecting entrepreneurs with guidance, tools, and opportunities for growth. After a period of evaluation and planning, the Grow! Highland County Board of Directors has expanded that mission to include direct financial investment in local businesses.
Under the new initiative, funds raised through community grants and the annual Grow! Golf Outing will be reinvested directly into Highland County businesses through a competitive grant program.
The Hometown Business Grant Program was created to strengthen the local economy, promote business stability, encourage responsible growth, and support long-term community development.
The program will offer three levels of funding assistance:
• $500 to $2,500 for micro-businesses and startups;
• $2,500 to $7,500 for business growth and expansion projects; and
• Up to $10,000 for larger investments expected to make a significant impact on the community.
Grant funds may be used for a variety of business needs, including equipment purchases, inventory, marketing and branding efforts, technology upgrades, licensing and permitting costs, building improvements, and other qualifying investments.
Grant applications will open in October, and applications and directions for submission can be found via the Grow! Highland County Facebook page.
Board members say they are excited to see money raised locally being returned directly to the businesses and entrepreneurs who help drive Highland County’s economy.
“This is a new chapter for Grow! Highland County,” the organization said in a statement.
“It remains rooted in our mission of growing our county one business at a time.”
Grow Highland County also expressed appreciation to the sponsors, community partners, and residents who continue to support its efforts. This ongoing support will now translate into meaningful investments that create opportunities for entrepreneurs and contribute to a stronger economic future for Highland County.