Print
Entrepreneurs

Four Local Startups Advance In Statewide Entrepreneurship Grant Cycle

By Johanna Cano, posted Mar 28, 2022
Four Wilmington startups are moving forward in the latest round of the NC IDEA SEED Grant Cycle, according to a press release.

Cicil, Coyle Solar, Essential Personnel and Kind Cultures are among 24 semi-finalists in the spring cycle of the grant, which aims to support entrepreneurial endeavors in the state.

“The incredible range of geography and founder demographics of all SEED applicants translated into one of the most diverse groups of semi-finalists in the 16-year history of the program,” Thom Ruhe, president and CEO of NC IDEA said in the release. “It never gets easier to narrow down the field of competitive contenders, but we look forward to learning more about the group that is moving forward to the next phase.”

Details on the Wilmington semi-finalists:

CICIL is a rug manufacturer that focuses on using natural and renewable materials. According to its website, its founders are textile industry veterans who – after years of working with complex, carbon-intensive global supply chains – wanted to provide a more sustainable option for the natural fiber industry.

Coyle Solar is an energy company that produces portable solar power generators that can be used in homes, RVs and job sites. Different models are available, including the CM6 model, which is a mobile, modular power generator with a water purification station. According to the company’s website, it produced its first model of solar generators in 2015 and as of 2021, it has sold enough units to scale its operations nationwide.

Essential Personnel has developed software for managing public safety professionals. The software includes EP Performs for performance management; EP Safety & Wellness to track critical incidents, injuries and exposures as well as providing support resources and EP Academy, which provides flexible training and data reporting for information on completion of training.

Kind Cultures is a business creating artisanal vegan cheeses that are handmade in small batches in Wilmington. The company focuses on cheese that is cruelty-free, cultured, accessible and sustainable. The company’s current selection ranges from hickory-smoked cheddar to a dill spread and its products are available locally in stores.

Winners receive $50,000 in grants with the goal to “support business activities that validate target markets, reduce risk associated with early-stage companies and help companies get to the point of suitability for growth,” the release stated.

All semi-finalists will submit a full proposal in early April with finalists selected to present before a panel of investors, industry experts and entrepreneurs. Grant recipients will be announced in mid-May.
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Screenshot2022 01 06at338 162234623

Food is the Foundation for Prosperous Communities

Girard Newkirk - Genesis Block
Pfinder john zachary

Tax Planning: Defusing the Required Minimum Distribution Time-Bomb

John B Zachary - Pathfinder Wealth Consulting
Untitleddesign12 11724100328

The Endowment’s Rainbow of Possibilities

Daniel B Winslow - New Hanover Community Endowment

Trending News

Tech Wilmington: Upcoming Events Calendar

Staff Reports - Feb 5, 2025

Vantaca Hires Four Executives With Decades Of Scale-up Experience

Staff Reports - Feb 4, 2025

NCino Appoints New CEO

Staff Reports - Feb 3, 2025

City Leaders Approve Special Use Permit For Midtown Pickleball Facility

Emma Dill - Feb 5, 2025

Workforce Housing Panel: Some Steps Taken, But Problem Getting Worse

Emma Dill - Feb 4, 2025

In The Current Issue

Recreation Plans Move Ahead

While the organizers of all the ventures hope to provide their communities with a variety of recreational opportunities, some projects are c...


Bakatsias Restaurant Group Grows Locally

Giorgios Bakatsias and his company – Giorgios Hospitality Group – will also be opening Tomikosan sushi bar at Lumina Station, bringing the g...


ILM Biz Park On The Rise

For years, officials have eyed the land outside of the airport’s operations to attract businesses and economic development....

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season