DURHAM – From the coast to the mountains, six startups have landed $50,000 grants from the NC IDEA Foundation.

Not only is there a broad geographical mix but also a mix of focuses, from ecommerce to beverages, in-home healthcare to hemp. Known as SEED grants, they are intended to help startups scale more quickly.

Here’s a snapshot of each recipient as provided by NC IDEA:

  • ChurchLEARN – Vilas, NC

ChurchLEARN helps churches and non-profit organizations recruit, equip and develop volunteers by allowing these organizations to create online courses for training volunteers and staff with the ability to track learner progress and segment people based on areas of service.

  • Devil’s Foot Beverage Company – Asheville

Devil’s Foot Beverage Company uses organic roots and fruits to create locally brewed farm-to-can craft nonalcoholic beverages. With typically less than half the sugars of traditional ‘sodas’, Devil’s Foot styles are packed with flavor thanks to fresh, organic and local ingredients and small batch craft brewing processes.

  • FeedStation – Chapel Hill

FeedStation is helping retailers engage and sell on multiple online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Walmart and more by providing a turnkey solution and experience that solves the headaches involved with keeping everything connected and running smoothly, while enabling clients to build and run their businesses the way they see fit.

  • GoKart Kids – Cary

GoKart Kids is a rideshare transportation service for kids ages 6-17, created on the reality that there needs to be a safer and more reliable solution to kids’ transportation.

  • Renaissance Fiber – Wilmington

Renaissance Fiber is focused on the production of high-quality fiber from industrial hemp using proprietary methods that are clean, inexpensive and scalable. Their material is suitable for a wide range of applications including textile, paper and composites.

  • Tin Lizzee – Sanford

Tin Lizzee offers a new, digital alternative to expensive in-home services. Via their online portal and mobile app, experienced technicians guide customers via chat through problem diagnoses and do-it-yourself repairs on home appliances saving customers time and money.

“This cohort of grant companies illustrates the vibrancy of entrepreneurship across the state of North Carolina,” said Thom Ruhe, President and CEO of NC IDEA. “Industries from textiles to technology-enabled services to food and beverage are represented in this eclectic group positioned to quickly grow, create jobs and positively impact the state’s economy.”

Grants were won through a competitive process. More than 150 startups applied for the funding, which is non-dilutive.

NC IDEA awards the grants twice a year. Winners also receive mentoring and other support.