About this programme
NC Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech) Company Funding is delivered through its Emerging Company Development program, which invests in promising, emerging life sciences companies across North Carolina. The money is meant to help recipients conduct meaningful research and reach commercial milestones, so they can go on to attract additional funding such as government grants, angel and venture capital investment, and strategic partnerships.
The funding is structured as loans rather than grants, and comes in three named products aimed at different stages. The Small Business Research Loan (SRL) supports business inception and research critical to developing a product, process, or tool with clear commercial potential, in a range of $150,000 to $350,000. The Strategic Growth Loan (SGL) supplements angel or venture capital investment for companies that have already established technical proof-of-concept and need further support to accelerate growth, in a range of $350,000 to $650,000. A separate Agtech Small Business Research Loan (AgTech SRL) supports crop science, animal health and nutrition, food science, and other agricultural technology research with commercial potential, in a range of $100,000 to $250,000.
Since NCBiotech's founding nearly 40 years ago, it has distributed almost 3,000 awards totaling more than $150 million across its grant and loan programs.
How to apply
- Contact NCBiotech directly, or review the individual Small Business Research Loan, Strategic Growth Loan, or Agtech Small Business Research Loan pages on ncbiotech.org for specifics on each product.
- NCBiotech's Life Science Intelligence team can also give tailored assistance in identifying the right funding fit.
Frequently asked
How much funding is available?
It depends on the loan: $150,000 to $350,000 for the Small Business Research Loan, $350,000 to $650,000 for the Strategic Growth Loan, and $100,000 to $250,000 for the Agtech Small Business Research Loan.
Is this a grant or a loan?
A loan. NCBiotech's Company Funding is delivered as the Small Business Research Loan, Strategic Growth Loan, and Agtech Small Business Research Loan, not as a grant.
What is the money meant to do?
Fill gaps in technology development and company growth, helping companies reach development milestones that make them ready to attract follow-on funding such as angel, venture capital, or strategic partnerships.
What stage of company is each loan for?
The Small Business Research Loan is for business inception and early critical research. The Strategic Growth Loan is for companies that already have technical proof-of-concept and are pairing the loan with angel or venture capital. The Agtech Small Business Research Loan is a separate, agriculture-focused research loan.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.