Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce and Optimum Business Announce Winners of the Lifting Up Small Business Grants

25 small businesses will be awarded a $5,000 grant to support their long-term success

GREENVILLE, NC (SEPTEMBER 3, 2025) - Optimum Business, the leading provider of internet, mobile, TV, and phone services, along with their partner, the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce, today announced the winners of the Lifting Up Small Business Grants.

Each small business will receive a $5,000 grant to help support their growth and long-term success. Featured grant recipients include:

• Pirates Popcorn -Will use the funds to purchase a coffee cart for the store, offering popcorn inspired, coffee-based drinks to pair with different flavors of popcorn.
• KDL Construction -Will create an affordable office space and a showroom available to aspiring trade businesses in the remodeling and construction industry to meet clients and guide them through the design, selection and construction process.
• University PC Care - Will expand the Quick Help program, which is tailored to senior citizens for assistance and education with technology issues.
• Sprout Playground & Studio -Will create a more inclusive, accessible and safe environment for young children by installing permanent, safety-rated flooring and adding sensory-friendly equipment that supports all abilities.
• Salon La Vie -Will invest in advanced stylist education, equipment and expand their mentorship program for new cosmetologists.
• Redemption Farms -Will restore a damaged barn from a fire in December of 2024. The barn will be used for field trips to educate children about farming and offer space for community events.

Follow along here for the full list of grant recipients and more information on Lifting Up Small Business Grants. To celebrate and honor the grant winners, Optimum Business in partnership with the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commercewill host a recognition event on Wednesday, September 10 alongside community members.

"Optimum Business is thrilled to recognize the winners of the Lifting Up Small Business Grants in partnership with the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce," said Jessica Gebhardt, Vice President General Manager, Optimum. "These 25 entrepreneurs are at the heart of this thriving community. Optimum takes pride in investing in their growth and prosperity, and we look forward to seeing their lasting impact."

"We are grateful to Optimum Business for their generous support and partnership," said Trent McGee, President and CEO of the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce. "Their investment through this grant helps strengthen local businesses and fuels the kind of innovation and growth that makes Greenville-Pitt County thrive. We are proud to celebrate the businesses that have been selected to receive grant funding to support and expand the incredible impact they have on our community."

Optimum continues to find new ways to deepen its community presence and connect its customers to what matters most, which includes supporting, understanding, and celebrating what makes each of its local communities unique.

The Lifting Up Small Businesses Grants are a concrete example of Optimum's commitment to customers and businesses in Greenville-Pitt County.