Apply for Charlotte Mecklenburg Contractor Assistance Program (CAP) program

How to apply

1. Program summary

   Charlotte Mecklenburg Contractor Assistance Program (CAP) provides funding for small or emerging local businesses who are currently involved or interested in completing critical home repairs for Charlotte-Mecklenburg low-to-moderate income homeowners under the following programs (Safe-Home, Lead program and Staying in Place). CAP aims to increase the ability for businesses to bid for opportunities with the city, county and/or eligible nonprofits, whether this is accomplished by hiring new employees, training existing employees, or purchasing equipment. Completion of the application does not guarantee funding.
    

   • Contractor Capacity Expansion Loan available for the purchase of equipment that would have a significant impact on the ability to grow the business (Loans available up to $75,000, deferred with zero interest payable)
   • New Hire Wage Reimbursement Subsidy reimburses an employer a percentage (75%) of a new hire’s wages as they are learning the skills required for their job. (Up to $13,000 or 6 months)
   • Existing Employee Upskilling Grant reimburses third-party skills training provided to their employees, including the owner. (Up to $10,000; training and reimbursement must be completed by 5/30/2026)
      

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2. Eligibility

   To qualify for the Contractor Capacity Expansion loan, your business must:

   • Be a Mecklenburg County for profit business
   • Have an existing or previous critical repair contract with the city, country or partner non-profit
      

   To qualify for the New Hire Wage Subsidy & Existing Employee UpSkilling Grant, your business must:

   • Be a Mecklenburg County for-profit business
   • Be established in Mecklenburg County for at least 90 days
   • Have at least 1 employee with which there is an employer-employee relationship
   • Be current on all federal, state and city obligations
   • Be in good standing with the funding entities included United Way and Mecklenburg County

3. Documents needed

   For the Loan:

   • A copy of your contractor license.
   • Documents to verify business and good standing will be requested by City staff following this initial application.
      

   For the Grant and Subsidy:

   • None at this time. A Pre-Award form will be provided by Charlotte Works staff following this initial application.

4. Application deadline

   Applications will be reviewed and awarded until funds are exhausted. All training must be completed, and reimbursement requests submitted, no later than May 15, 2026.

5. Next steps

   You will hear from a member of our team or a Charlotte Works employee within 48 business hours regarding the status of your application.