NC IDEA, the economic development group based in Durham that offers dilutive-free grants to technology startups, will tout the program during an event in Wilmington on Aug. 21.

UNC-Wilmington’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will host the program.

NCIDEA President and CEO David Rizzo and grants program manager Andrea Cook will take part in the event.,

“Introducing NC IDEA to entrepreneurs who are growing in the Wilmington community offers them a chance to learn more about what resources may be available to them in our region and beyond,” said CIE Executive Director Jim Roberts. “I am eager to help more Wilmington-area businesses and support their growth, and this will be a great opportunity to connect our entrepreneurs to a statewide resource that has invested in other parts of the state. This grant process can serve as a qualifier for IDEA Fund Partners and other regional investment funds.”

Rizzo and Cook will discuss NC IDEA’s fall grant program. Companies can receive as much as $50,000. In June, NC IDEA selected five firms for $220,000 in grants. 

“We’re looking forward to our visit and are excited to meet and learn more about Wilmington’s entrepreneurial community,” Rizzo said. “We hope our information session will result in an increase of grant applications from the Wilmington area this cycle.”

Rizzo also is part of the management team at venture capital firm IDEA Fund Partners. 

Roberts recently was hired to lead the UNC-Wilmington program.

The CIE will formally launch its new center on Sept. 5.

Several programs and events are already scheduled or being planned.