Incentives and Grants

In 2018, Council adopted economic incentives to encourage growth and improve quality of life in Chapel Hill.

Here are the four incentive types that businesses and developers can propose:

• Building a new space 
• New capital investment 
• Job creation
• Location, retention, or expansion of targeted businesses 

Orange County has a Small Business Grant Program that receives $170,000 each year to support the growth and retention of small businesses in the community. 

The Small Business Grant Program has three cycles per year; here are the deadlines: 

• February 28
• June 30
• October 30

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina offers a number of incentives and programs—from workforce training to tax exemptions—to help businesses grow in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) is a program that offers low-cost and long-term financing for property owners to make clean energy upgrades to existing buildings. 

What can I use C-PACE Funding for?

C-PACE can be used for a wide range of improvements, including energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable energy installations, and resiliency upgrades.

Examples of qualifying projects include: 

• LED lighting upgrades
• Parking lot solar canopies
• Central HVAC replacements or enhancements 
• Flood resiliency measures 
• ENERGRY STAR - rated windows 
• Elevator modernization 
• Building envelope improvements 
• Rooftop solar installations 
• Weatherization projects 

What are the benefits of using C-PACE? 

• Financing: Access to low-cost, fixed-rate funding with terms from 20-30 years. 
• Assessment: The assessment stays with the property —not the owner—making it easier to sell or transfer the building.
• Weather Protection: Resiliency improvements can help project against weather-related damages.
• Lower operating costs: Energy-efficient upgrades can reduce utility bills and cut long-term maintenance expenses

How can I learn more about receiving C-PACE funding? 

• Talk to your lender
  • C-PACE Toolkit and Guidelines