The Orange County Government awarded stimulus grants to 52 local businesses in its second round of pandemic-related emergency financial aid.

Each small business received $5,000 dollars in grants as approved by the Orange County Board of Commissioners.

Businesses can use the grant for expenses incurred as a result of a need to expand, preserve jobs or to accommodate required social distancing.

According to Orange County Economic Development Director Steve Brantley, 118 companies applied for the program.

Forty-two were eliminated because they did not meet requirements. Businesses that had already received COVID-related assistance from another program, such as the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) were ineligible, and only companies located in Orange County were eligible.

A committee appointed by the Board of Commissioners reviewed the remaining applicants and found 53 companies that met the requirements for the grant.

Brantley said the county emphasized outreach to women and minority-owned businesses. Of the 52 companies receiving funds, 25 are women owned and 10 are either minority owned or both minority and women owned. 

To date, Orange County’s total pandemic-related emergency financial assistance, during both Round 1 and Round 2 of grant programs, represents 78 separate awards totaling $520,131 dollars.

This money granted has been used to help support small business and agricultural ventures.

Daniel Cowan of Red Tail Grains, a small farm and mill in Mebane that grows specialty grains and legumes, said they are incredibly grateful for the support from Orange County Economic Development.

“We are definitely in need of funds during this time and this is going to help us get through,” Cowan said. “We want to give a big shout out and thank you to all of you for continuing to support us and, in turn, hopefully we can help to support others.”

According to Orange County’s press release, a reserve of approximately $194,869 dollars remains available for additional emergency small business and agricultural assistance.

To find the full list of the companies that received grants, visit Orange County Government’s website.

Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

Related Stories
‹
2026 Candidate Introductions: Orange County Register of Deeds
With the current Orange County Register of Deeds Mark Chilton retiring from the role after 12 years, the race to replace him is on.
Orange County Governments Share Service Delays, Facility Closures Following Weekend Snow
Following inches of snow, local governments in Orange and Chatham counties alerted residents to how their operations are affected for Monday and Tuesday.
Here Are Winter Storm Resources in Orange County During Cold and Snowy Weather
With a massive winter storm forecasted, many in Orange County are preparing for frigid temperatures. Here are key resources to stay safe.
Local Government Closures, Service Changes Carry Over Into Tuesday from Adverse Conditions
Editor’s Note: This story is updated with the latest closures and changes through Tuesday, Jan. 27 Frigid temperatures mixed with precipitation from Winter Storm Fern has led to much of North Carolina sheltering and staying over the weekend and to start this week. To help encourage that — and to allow some of its staff […]
Juneteenth Holiday to Affect Local Government Services in Orange County
The 2025 celebration of Juneteenth will take place on Thursday, June 19. Here’s a list of what services will be altered in Orange County:
With Federal Funding Losses and Revaluation, Orange County's Governments Weigh Difficult Tax Rate and Budget Choices
The annual budgeting process is typically an exhaustive one for Orange County’s local governments and staff – but this year, it may be even more so
Orange County Commissioners to Review Land Purchase for New Crisis Diversion Facility
The Orange County government hopes to build a Crisis Diversion Facility on this property in Hillsborough by late 2026 or early 2027.
Orange County Schools Closed, CHCCS Declares Remote Learning for Thursday As Cold Temps Keep Snow and Ice
Thanks to a light snow that fell Tuesday night, the Orange County community saw its schools cancel instruction on Wednesday.
Here's What Local Governments, Schools and Services are Closed From Tropical Storm Debby
In anticipation of the effects of Tropical Storm Debby across the Triangle, several local governments and school districts announced closures.
Here's Which Local Government Services in Orange County Are Affected by the Juneteenth Holiday
With Juneteenth on Wednesday, the local governments in Orange County will delay or hold a variety of services to recognize the holiday.
›