A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT Helping underserved small‑business triumph through lending enhancement.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Article 10 of Chapter 143B of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new Part to read:
"Part 20A.
"Small Business Capital Access.
"§ 143B‑271.113.  Small Business Capital Access Act.
(a)	Title. – This Part shall be known and may be cited as the "North Carolina Small Business Capital Access Act."
(b)	Findings. – The General Assembly finds as follows:
(1)	Small businesses and MWBEs are vital to North Carolina's economy, creating jobs and driving innovation throughout the State.
(2)	Despite their importance, these businesses face persistent barriers to accessing capital necessary for startup, operation, and growth.
(3)	Existing capital access programs have gaps that leave many qualified businesses unable to secure necessary financing.
(4)	Targeted interventions have proven successful in other states and countries in addressing these capital access disparities.
(5)	North Carolina has an opportunity to strengthen its economy by implementing a coordinated strategy to expand capital access for small businesses and MWBEs.
(c)	Purpose. – The purpose of this Act is to establish a comprehensive framework to expand access to capital for small businesses and Minority and Women‑Owned Business Enterprises throughout North Carolina through coordinated loan guarantees, direct investment, support for community lenders, technical assistance, and incentives for private investment.
(d)	Definitions. – The following definitions apply in this Act:
(1)	Board. – The Small Business Capital Access Oversight Board established by this Act.
(2)	CDFI. – A Community Development Financial Institution certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
(3)	Department. – The North Carolina Department of Commerce.
(4)	Fund. – The North Carolina Small Business Capital Access Fund.
(5)	Growth‑stage business. – A business that has established a viable product or service and is seeking capital to expand operations, market reach, or product offerings.
(6)	MWBE. – A minority or women‑owned business enterprise certified by the North Carolina Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses.
(7)	Office. – The Office of Small Business Capital Access.
(8)	Program. – The North Carolina Small Business Capital Access Program.
(9)	Small business. – A business that employs fewer than 500 full‑time employees.
(10)	Technical assistance. – Professional guidance provided to business owners in areas including but not limited to business planning, financial management, marketing, operations, technology, and accessing capital.
(11)	Underserved community. – A census tract that is designated as a low‑income community according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau or is located in a rural area as defined by the North Carolina Rural Center.
(e)	Office established, duties. – There is established within the Department of Commerce the Office of Small Business Capital Access. The Office shall be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, who shall have substantial experience in small business financing, economic development, or MWBE support. The Office shall fulfil the following duties: 
(1)	Administer all components of the North Carolina Small Business Capital Access Program.
(2) 	Develop program guidelines, application procedures, and evaluation metrics.
(3) 	Coordinate with other state agencies providing services to small businesses and MWBEs.
(4) 	Conduct outreach to ensure participation by businesses in all regions of the State.
(5) 	Collect and analyze data on program outcomes.
(6) 	Submit annual reports to the General Assembly and the Governor.
(7) 	Seek additional funding through federal grants, philanthropic sources, and other avenues.
(f)	Board established, duties. – There is established the Small Business Capital Access Oversight Board to provide strategic guidance for the Program by (i) reviewing and approving program guidelines developed by the Office; (ii) monitoring program performance and outcomes; (iii)) advising on strategic priorities and capital deployment strategies; (iv) ensuring the Program reaches underserved communities and populations; (v) meeting at least quarterly; and (vi) submitting annual recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly. Board members shall serve four‑year terms; provided that, initial appointments, as determined by the Board, shall be staggered to ensure at least two members are appointed annually. The Board shall consist of 11 members as follows: 
(1)	The Secretary of Commerce or the Secretary's designee, who shall serve as chair.
(2) 	The State Treasurer or the Treasurer's designee.
(3) 	The President of the North Carolina Rural Center or the President's designee.
(4)	Two members appointed by the Governor, including one representative of a certified MWBE and one representative of a financial institution active in small business lending.
(5)	Two members appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of President Pro Tempore of the Senate, including one representative of a CDFI operating in North Carolina and one small business owner from a rural county.
(6) 	Two members appointed by the General Assembly upon recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, including one representative of a chamber of commerce or business association; and one small business owner from an urban county.
(7) 	One member appointed by the North Carolina Black Entrepreneurship Council.
(8) 	One member appointed by the North Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
(g)	North Carolina Small Business Capital Access Program. – There is established the North Carolina Small Business Capital Access Program, which shall consist of the elements listed in this subsection. The Office shall develop an application process and detailed guidelines in compliance with the provisions of this section for each program component in consultation with the Board and shall ensure coordination among program components to create a comprehensive capital access ecosystem. The North Carolina Small Business Capital Access Program includes the following components:
(1)	The Small Business Loan Guarantee Program to increase lending to small businesses and MWBEs by reducing risk for private lenders. Required guidelines for the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program include, but are not limited to, the following:
a.	The Small Business Loan Guarantee Program shall function to (i) provide guarantees for loans made by qualified lenders to eligible small businesses and MWBEs; (ii) cover up to 90 percent of the loan amount for MWBEs and up to 80 percent for other small businesses; (iii) prioritize businesses that have been denied traditional financing despite viable business models; (iv) establish maximum guarantee amounts based on available funding; and (v) Require reasonable fees to support program sustainability. 
b.	Eligible lenders are limited to (i) community banks; (ii) credit unions; (iii) certified CDFIs; (iv) minority depository institutions; and (v) other regulated financial institutions with small business lending experience.
c.	Eligible borrowers shall include small businesses and MWBEs that meet all of the following requirements: 
1.	Are headquartered and operating in North Carolina.
2.	Have been in operation for at least one year.
3.	Demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Office, sound business practices and growth potential.
4.	Have been unable to secure adequate financing through conventional channels.
5.	Will use loan proceeds for business purposes approved by the Office, including working capital, equipment, inventory, or expansion.
d.	The Office shall develop a streamlined application process for lenders and borrowers.
e.	The Office shall establish a loan loss reserve to cover potential defaults.	
(2)	The North Carolina MWBE Growth Fund shall function to provide equity and near‑equity capital to growth‑stage MWBEs. Required guidelines for the Fund include, but are not limited to, the following:
a.	The Fund shall function to (i) make direct investments in qualified MWBEs; (ii) focus on assisting businesses with proven business models seeking growth capital; (iii) structure investments as equity, convertible debt, revenue‑based financing, or other flexible instruments; (iv) make investments ranging from two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) to two million dollars ($2,000,000); (v) require co‑investment from private investors on terms to be determined by the Office; (vi) prioritize investments that will create quality jobs in North Carolina; and (vii) Reinvest returns from successful investments to ensure Fund sustainability.
b.	The Office shall contract with an experienced fund manager selected through a competitive process to manage the Fund, with oversight from the Board.
c.	The fund manager shall meet all of the following requirements:
1.	Have demonstrated experience in MWBE investment.
2.	Have a track record of successful investments in growth‑stage businesses.
3.	Reflect the diversity of North Carolina in its leadership and team.
4.	Provide regular reports to the Office and Board on Fund performance.
5.	Provide post‑investment support to portfolio companies.
(3)	The CDFI Support Initiative to strengthen the capacity of Community Development Financial Institutions serving North Carolina communities. Required guidelines for the Initiative include, but are not limited to, the following:
a.	The Initiative shall function to (i) provide direct grants to certified CDFIs operating in North Carolina; (ii) offer low‑cost loan capital for CDFI relending programs; (iii) support capacity building for CDFI operations; and (iv) facilitate partnerships between CDFIs and traditional financial institutions.
b.	Grant funds may be used for (i) loan loss reserves; (ii) operating support; (iii) technology improvements; (iv) product development; and (v) technical assistance capacity.
c.	Priority shall be given to CDFIs that (i) primarily serve rural areas or underserved urban communities; (ii) demonstrate strong performance and financial management; (iii) show substantial lending impact in target communities; and (iv) leverage additional private capital.
d.	Reporting on performance and grant funds shall be provided by certified CDFIs as required by the Office.
(4)	The Small Business Technical Assistance Network to ensure businesses receiving capital are prepared to use it effectively. Required guidelines for the Network include, but are not limited to, the following:
a.	The Initiative shall function to (i) provide business development services to participants in all Program components; (ii) coordinate existing technical assistance providers throughout the State; (iii) fund expanded capacity for high‑performing providers; (iv) develop specialized assistance for specific industries or business needs; and (v) ensure services are accessible in all regions of the State.
b.	Services provided shall include all of the following:
1.	Business planning and financial management.
2.	Market analysis and marketing strategy.
3.	Operations and human resources support.
4.	Technology adoption assistance.
5.	Certification preparation for government contracting.
6.	Capital readiness preparation.
c.	The Office shall develop a simplified referral system to connect businesses to appropriate services.
d.	The Office shall track technical assistance outcomes and their correlation with capital access program success.
(6)	The State Procurement Financing Initiative to help small businesses and MWBEs access the capital necessary to fulfill State contracts. Required guidelines for the Initiative include, but are not limited to, the following:
a.	The Initiative shall consist of the following:
1.	A mobilization capital program providing short‑term loans to cover upfront costs of contract performance.
2.	A factoring program allowing businesses to obtain immediate payment on state contract invoices at favorable rates.
3.	A bonding assistance program to help contractors secure required performance and payment bonds.
4.	A quickpay requirement mandating that all State agencies pay approved invoices from small businesses and MWBEs within 15 days.
b.	Eligible businesses must (i) be certified as an MWBE or qualify as a small business; (ii) have been awarded a contract with a State agency or institution; and (iii) demonstrate the capacity to successfully complete the contract with appropriate financial support.
c.	The Office shall coordinate with the Division of Purchase and Contract and other State contracting entities to implement the Initiative.
d.	The guidelines created by the Office shall, for each program component, including application procedures, maximum assistance amounts, terms, and fees.
(7)	The Small Business Innovation Fund to support innovative small businesses with high growth potential. Required guidelines for the Fund include, but are not limited to, the following:
a.	The Fund shall function to (i) provide matching grants for recipients of federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards; (2) Support university technology commercialization partnerships with small businesses; (3) Fund regional innovation hubs in different parts of the state; and (4) Provide proof‑of‑concept grants for promising innovations with commercial potential.
b.	The matching grant program shall: (1) Provide supplemental funding of up to 50 percent of the federal award amount, not to exceed $100,000; (2) Be available to North Carolina‑based recipients of Phase I SBIR or STTR awards; and (3) Include technical assistance to support successful Phase II applications.
c.	Regional innovation hubs shall: (1) Be established in partnership with universities, community colleges, and private sector entities; (2) Provide physical space, equipment, and resources for entrepreneurs; (3) Offer specialized programming for innovative businesses; and (4) Connect entrepreneurs with capital sources and business development resources.
d.	The Office shall establish guidelines for each program component in consultation with the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation.
(h)	The North Carolina Small Business Capital Access Fund is established as a special revenue fund in the Department of Commerce. The Fund shall consist of (i) appropriations by the General Assembly; (ii) federal grant funds; (iii) private contributions and donations; (iv) loan repayments and investment returns; (v) fees collected from program participants; and (vi) interest earnings. The Fund shall be used exclusively for the purposes set forth in this section, including reasonable administrative expenses. The Office shall establish separate accounts within the Fund for different program components as necessary for proper financial management.
(i)	The Office shall develop and implement a comprehensive evaluation framework to measure the impact and effectiveness of the Program. Performance metrics shall include at least (i) the number and demographics of businesses served by each program component; (ii) the amount of capital deployed, by program component, geographic region, industry, and business demographics; (iii) the number of jobs created and retained as a result of Program assistance; (iv) business revenue growth following program participation; (v) the amount of follow‑on capital secured by participants; (vi) default rates and program sustainability; (vii) return on investment of public funds; and (viii) the economic impact in underserved communities. The Office contract for and procure an independent evaluation by a qualified external entity every three years and shall submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly by October 1, which shall include all of the following:
(1)	Detailed information on program activities and outcomes.
(2)	Financial statements for the Fund.
(3)	Analysis of program effectiveness.
(4)	Recommendations for program improvements.
(5)	Other information requested by the Board.
(6)	A copy of the report produced as a result of the independent evaluation required by this subsection in years in which it is produced."
SECTION 2.  Tax Credit. – Part 5 of Article 4 of Subchapter I of Chapter 105 of the General Statutes is reenacted as it existed immediately before its repeal and reads as rewritten:
"Part 5. Tax Credits for Certain Business Investments.
"§ 105‑163.010.  Definitions.
The following definitions apply in this Part:
(1)	Affiliate. – An individual or business that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another individual or business.
(2)	Business. – A corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, or sole proprietorship operated for profit.
(3)	Control. – A person controls an entity if the person owns, directly or indirectly, more than ten percent (10%) of the voting securities of that entity. As used in this subdivision, the term "voting security" means a security that (i) confers upon the holder the right to vote for the election of members of the board of directors or similar governing body of the business or (ii) is convertible into, or entitles the holder to receive upon its exercise, a security that confers such a right to vote. A general partnership interest is a voting security.
(3a)	Eligible investor. – A person subject to one or more of the following:
a.	The franchise tax levied in Article 3 of this Chapter.
b.	The income taxes levied in Article 4 of this Chapter.
c.	The gross premiums tax levied in Article 8B of this Chapter.
(3b)	Eligible business. – A business that (i) is registered with the Secretary of State under G.S. 105‑163.013, (ii) has received during the current year or any of the preceding three years assistance from the Office of Small Business Capital Access pursuant to G.S. 143B‑271.113, (iii) is headquartered and primarily operating in this State, (iv) has been in operation at least one year, (v) during its most recent fiscal year before filing an application for registration under G.S. 105 163.013, it had gross revenues, as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, of five million dollars ($5,000,000) or less on a consolidated basis, and (vi) has 100 or fewer full‑time employees.
(4)	Equity security. – Common stock, preferred stock, or an interest in a partnership, or subordinated debt that is convertible into, or entitles the holder to receive upon its exercise, common stock, preferred stock, or an interest in a partnership. 
(5)	Financial institution. – A business that is (i) a bank holding company, as defined in the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, 12 U.S.C. §§ 1841, et seq., or its wholly owned subsidiary, (ii) registered as a broker‑dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78a, et seq., or its wholly owned subsidiary, (iii) an investment company as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. §§ 80a‑1, et seq., whether or not it is required to register under that act, (iv) a small business investment company as defined in the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, 15 U.S.C. §§ 661, et seq., (v) a pension or profit‑sharing fund or trust, or (vi) a bank, savings institution, trust company, financial services company, or insurance company. The term does not include, however, a business, other than a small business investment company, whose net worth, when added to the net worth of all of its affiliates, is less than ten million dollars ($10,000,000). The term also does not include a business that does not generally market its services to the public and is controlled by a business that is not a financial institution.

	

	

	

(7)	Pass‑through entity. – Defined in G.S. 105‑228.90.

	

	

	
(11)	Security. – A security as defined in Section 2(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, 15 U.S.C. § 77b(1).

(14)	Subordinated debt. – Indebtedness that is not secured and is subordinated to all other indebtedness of the issuer issued or to be issued to a financial institution other than a financial institution described in subdivisions (5)(ii) through (5)(v) of this section. Except as provided in G.S. 105‑163.014(d1), any portion of indebtedness that matures earlier than three years after its issuance is not subordinated debt. 
"§ 105‑163.011.  Tax credits allowed.
(a)	No Credit for Brokered Investments. – No credit is allowed under this section for a purchase of equity securities or subordinated debt if a broker's fee or commission or other similar remuneration is paid or given directly or indirectly for soliciting the purchase.
(b)	Eligible Investors. – Subject to the limitations contained in G.S. 105‑163.012, an eligible investor who purchases the equity securities or subordinated debt of an eligible business directly from that business is allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by Part 2 of this Article for the taxable year an amount equal to twenty‑five percent (25%) of the amount invested. The aggregate amount of credit allowed an eligible investor for one or more investments made in a single taxable year under this Part, whether directly or indirectly as owner of a pass‑through entity, may not be less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and may not exceed five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000). The credit may not be taken for the year in which the investment is made but may be taken for the taxable year beginning during the calendar year in which the application for the credit becomes effective as provided in subsection (c) of this section.

(b2)	Credit Bonus. – The credit allowed under this Part shall be increased by ten percent (10%) of the credit amount if the amount generating the credit is invested in an eligible business that is (i) located in a development tier one area or development tier two area, as defined in G.S. 143B‑437.08, (ii) an MWBE, as defined in G.S. X, or (iii) both.
(c)	Application. – To be eligible for the tax credit provided in this section, the eligible investor must file an application for the credit with the Secretary. The application should be filed on or before April 15 of the year following the calendar year in which the investment was made. The Secretary may not accept an application filed after October 15 of the year following the calendar year in which the investment was made. An application is effective for the year in which it is timely filed. The application must be on a form prescribed by the Secretary and must include any supporting documentation that the Secretary may require. If an investment for which a credit is applied for was paid for other than in money, the taxpayer must include with the application a certified appraisal of the value of the property used to pay for the investment. The application for a credit for an investment made by a pass‑through entity must be filed by the pass‑through entity.
(d)	Penalties. – The penalties provided in G.S. 105‑236 apply in this Part.
"§ 105‑163.012.  Limit; carry‑over; ceiling; reduction in basis.
(a)	The credit allowed a taxpayer under G.S. 105‑163.011 may not exceed the amount of income tax imposed by Part 2 of this Article for the taxable year reduced by the sum of all other credits allowable except tax payments made by or on behalf of the taxpayer. The amount of unused credit allowed under G.S. 105‑163.011 may be carried forward for the next five succeeding years.
(b)	The total amount of all tax credits allowed to taxpayers under G.S. 105‑163.011 for investments made in a calendar year may not exceed ten million dollars ($10,000,000). The Secretary of Revenue shall calculate the total amount of tax credits claimed from the applications filed pursuant to G.S. 105‑163.011(c). If the total amount of tax credits claimed for investments made in a calendar year exceeds this maximum amount, the Secretary shall allow a portion of the credits claimed by allocating the maximum amount in tax credits in proportion to the size of the credit claimed by each taxpayer.
(c)	If a credit claimed under G.S. 105‑163.011 is reduced as provided in this section, the Secretary shall notify the taxpayer of the amount of the reduction of the credit on or before December 31 of the year following the calendar year in which the investment was made. The Secretary's allocations based on applications filed pursuant to G.S. 105‑163.011(c) are final and shall not be adjusted to account for credits applied for but not claimed.
(d)	The taxpayer's basis in the equity securities or subordinated debt acquired as a result of an investment in an eligible business shall be reduced for the purposes of this Article by the amount of allowable credit. "Allowable credit" means the amount of credit allowed under G.S. 105‑163.011 reduced as provided in subsection (c) of this section.
"

	

	

"§ 105‑163.014.  Forfeiture of credit.
(a)	Participation in Business. – A taxpayer who has received a credit under this Part for an investment in an eligible business forfeits the credit if, within three years after the investment was made, the taxpayer participates in the operation of the eligible business. For the purpose of this section, a taxpayer participates in the operation of an eligible business if the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, parent, sibling, or child, or an employee of any of these individuals or of a business controlled by any of these individuals, provides services of any nature to the eligible business for compensation, whether as an employee, a contractor, or otherwise. However, a person who provides services to an eligible business, whether as an officer, a member of the board of directors, or otherwise does not participate in its operation if the person receives as compensation only reasonable reimbursement of expenses incurred in providing the services, participation in a stock option or stock bonus plan, or both.
(b)	False Application. – A taxpayer who has received a credit under this Part for an investment in an eligible business forfeits the credit if the eligible business received assistance pursuant to G.S. X as a result of providing false information to the Office and assistance was withdrawn as a result.
(c)	Repealed by Session Laws 1996, Second Extra Session, c. 14, s. 7.
(d)	Transfer or Redemption of Investment. – A taxpayer who has received a credit under this Part for an investment in an eligible business forfeits the credit in the following cases:
(1)	Within three years after the investment was made, the taxpayer transfers any of the securities received in the investment that qualified for the tax credit to another person or entity, other than in a transfer resulting from one of the following:
a.	The death of the taxpayer.
b.	A final distribution in liquidation to the owners of a taxpayer that is a corporation or other entity.
c.	A merger, conversion, consolidation, or similar transaction requiring approval by the owners of the eligible business under applicable State law, to the extent the taxpayer does not receive cash or tangible property in the merger, conversion, consolidation, or other similar transaction.
(2)	Except as provided in subsection (d1) of this section, within three years after the investment was made, the eligible business in which the investment was made makes a redemption with respect to the securities received in the investment.
In the event the taxpayer transfers fewer than all the securities in a manner that would result in a forfeiture, the amount of the credit that is forfeited is the product obtained by multiplying the aggregate credit attributable to the investment by a fraction whose numerator equals the number of securities transferred and whose denominator equals the number of securities received on account of the investment to which the credit was attributable. In addition, if the redemption amount is less than the amount invested by the taxpayer in the securities to which the redemption is attributable, the amount of the credit that is forfeited is further reduced by multiplying it by a fraction whose numerator equals the redemption amount and whose denominator equals the aggregate amount invested by the taxpayer in the securities involved in the redemption. The term "redemption amount" means all amounts paid that are treated as a distribution in part or full payment in exchange for securities under section 302(a) of the Code.

(e)	Effect of Forfeiture. – A taxpayer who forfeits a credit under this section is liable for all past taxes avoided as a result of the credit plus interest at the rate established under G.S. 105‑241.21, computed from the date the taxes would have been due if the credit had not been allowed. The past taxes and interest are due 30 days after the date the credit is forfeited; a taxpayer who fails to pay the past taxes and interest by the due date is subject to the penalties provided in G.S. 105‑236.
"
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SECTION 3.  Appropriations. – There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Commerce the recurring sum of $50,000,000 for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year to establish and implement the North Carolina Small Business Capital Access Program.  Funds appropriated by this act shall not revert but shall remain available until expended. The Department shall allocate the funds as follows:
(1)	$20,000,000 to the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program.
(2)	$10,000,000 to the North Carolina MWBE Growth Fund.
(3)	$5,000,000 to the CDFI Support Initiative.
(4)	$5,000,000 to the Small Business Technical Assistance Network.
(5)	$5,000,000 to the State Procurement Financing Initiative.
(6)	$4,000,000 to the Small Business Innovation Fund.
(7)	$1,000,000 for administrative costs.
SECTION 4.  Rulemaking. – The Department of Commerce shall adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions of this Act.
SECTION 5.  Severability. – If any provision of this act or its application is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this act that can be given effect without the invalid provisions or application, and to this end the provisions of this act are severable.
SECTION 6.  Effective Date. – This act becomes effective July 1, 2026. Within 60 days of the effective date of this act, the Secretary of Commerce shall appoint the Director of the Office of Small Business Capital Access. Within 90 days of the effective date of this act, all appointments to the Board shall be completed, and the Board shall hold its first meeting. Within 180 days of the effective date of this act, the Office shall develop and publish program guidelines for all program components. Within one year of the effective date of this act, the Office shall implement the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, the CDFI Support Initiative, the Small Business Technical Assistance Network; and a unified application system for all components. Within two years of the effective date of this act, the Office shall implement the North Carolina MWBE Growth Fund, the State Procurement Financing Initiative, and the initial regional innovation hubs.