Business Retention & Recruitment Fund
Helping businesses adapt, expand, and thrive in a rapidly changing economic environment.
ATTENTION: Before federal funds can be approves, projects that involve construction or rehabilitation activities must receive environmental and historic review clearance in accordance with federal requirements. Please review our program brochure prior to applying for the Business Retention and Recruitment Fund for more information.
Community Driven
Durham Choice is a collaboration between the Durham Housing Authority and the City of Durham create to help transition aging public housing into a vibrant, mixed-income community.
The Business and Recruitment Fund provides grants and low-interest loans to small businesses and property owners in downtown Durham and the historic Hayti district.
What's Available?
Eligible businesses can apply for $5,000 to $25,000 in grants and $10,000 to $500,000 in loans, with the option to combine both. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis until September 30, 2028, or until funds are exhausted.
Eligible Uses
Grants ($5,000 to $25,000) can be used for:
- Façade improvements (signage, repairs, lighting, ADA compliance)
- Tenant build-outs (interior renovations, HVAC, plumbing, flooring)
Low-interest Loans ($10,000 to $500,000) support long-term growth for:
- Larger façade/tenant improvements greater than the grant limit
- Property acquisition for business use
- Business operations (working capital, equipment, debt refinancing)
Submission to Funding
Applicants can expect a minimum of 45 days from submission to funding
➜ Application Submitted
➜ Application Review & Screening
➜ Environmental Review
➜ Payment Processing
Who is eligible?
This fund is open to property owners and small businesses (existing or emerging) seeking to start, grow, or relocate within the Durham Choice target area.
Requirements
- Business or property must be in the Durham Choice target area
- Priority given to businesses that are reflective of the community
- Businesses must be in good standing with City, State and Federal requirements
- Submit a completed application
Eligible Applicants
- Small businesses (including LLCs, LLPs, corporations, sole proprietorships, independent contractors, and franchises)
- Property owners/landlords
- Nonprofits (grant program only)
- Home-based businesses (business operation loan only)
Find further information on application criteria, financial qualifications and more here.
Ready to improve your business?
The application is quick and easy!
ATTENTION:
Before federal funds can be approved, projects that involve construction or rehabilitation activities must receive environmental and historic review clearance in accordance with federal requirements. Please review our program brochure prior to applying for the Business Retention and Recruitment Fund for more information.