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Home My WebLink About2025-746-E-Economic Dev-Here and Meow Cat Café, LLC-Business Investment GrantRevised 12/25 ORANGE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS INVESTMENT GRANT AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT, entered into this 16th day of December, 2025, by and between Orange County (“County”), by and through Orange County Economic Development (“Economic Development”) and Here and Meow Cat Café, LLC (“Grant Recipient”). WHEREAS, Economic Development is a County department that aids existing business investment and early-stage venture growth, assists local agriculture and local food systems, and supports entrepreneurial development; and, WHEREAS, Grant Recipient has a project to expand their existing Orange County business; and, WHEREAS, the Grant Recipient was selected to receive the Orange County Business Investment Grant through the procedures duly adopted by Economic Development; and, NOW THEREFORE, the County and the Grant Recipient, for the consideration and under the conditions hereinafter set forth, agree as follows: 1. Approved Grant. Grant funds are provided for the project (“Project”) described in the Grant Recipient’s Grant Application (“Application”), dated October 31, 2025 and incorporated by reference, subject to this Agreement, the Business Investment Grant Program Guidelines (“Guidelines”), attached as Exhibit A and any additional terms imposed on the Grant Recipient (“Additional Terms”) attached as Exhibit B, in that order of priority. 2. Grant Award. Grant funds in an amount of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00) have been awarded by the Grant Subcommittee described in Exhibit A (“Subcommittee”) and shall be released to the Grant Recipient for the approved Project. The grant cannot be assigned or transferred without prior written approval. 3. Responsibilities of the Grant Recipient A. Implementation. The Project shall be implemented in the manner described in Exhibit A. Time is of the essence in the implementation of the Project. B. Use of Funds. Grant recipient shall not use the grant funds for any of the prohibited purposes described in the Guidelines. The grant shall be utilized solely for its intended use, as detailed in the Application, and subject to the Additional Terms. C. Personal Guaranty. The Grant Recipient shall execute the Form of Personal Guaranty, which shall be attached hereto. 4. Indemnity. The Grant Recipient agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County and Economic Development and their officers and employees from any and all claims of actual Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F Revised 12/25 injury, damage or loss to a person, or real or personal property that results from or is in any way connected to the use of the grant funds. 5. Termination. A. In the event of any of the circumstances set forth below (hereinafter referred to as “default”), the Subcommittee may immediately terminate this Agreement: i. Any fraudulent representation on a material matter related to securing and utilizing grant funds under this Agreement. ii. Failure to satisfactorily comply with any provision of this Agreement, any term of the Grant Application, and/or any Grant Program Guideline, as determined by the Subcommittee in its sole discretion. iii. Failure to adhere to the terms of applicable county, state, or federal laws, regulations, or stated public policy. B. In the event of default by the Grant Recipient, the Subcommittee has the discretion to elect to terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part and/or require the Grant Recipient to repay the grant funds within thirty (30) days from written notice or allow the Grant Recipient the opportunity to cure the default. This clause shall not be interpreted to limit the County’s or Economic Development’s remedies in law or equity. C. Should the Subcommittee determine the Grant Recipient has committed default as that term is defined herein, the Subcommittee shall notify the Grant Recipient of such determination. Such notice shall be in writing and may be through electronic mail or U.S. Mail, first class. Notice shall be effective and considered received the day the notice is placed in a U.S. Mail receptacle or the day the notice is sent via electronic mail. Within 30 calendar days of receipt of such notice Grant Recipient shall reimburse the County the full amount of the Grant Award. Failure to reimburse the County the full amount of the Grant Award within 30 days may result in the County initiating collection action against the Grant Recipient and Guarantor. Collection may be via any means available to the County including and not limited to submission to the N.C. Local Government Debt Setoff Clearinghouse. 6. Miscellaneous. A. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be interpreted and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina and Orange County. Grant Recipient shall at all times remain in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations including but not limited to all state and federal anti-discrimination laws, policies, rules and regulations and the Orange County Anti-Discrimination Policy. Any violation of the requirement is a breach of this Agreement and County may immediately terminate this Agreement without further obligation on the part of the County. This paragraph is not intended to limit the definition of breach to discrimination. By executing this agreement Grant Recipient affirms that Grant Recipient and any subcontractors of Grant Recipient are and shall remain in compliance with Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Where applicable, failure to maintain compliance with the requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the General Statues constitutes a breach of this Agreement. By executing Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F Revised 12/25 this Agreement, Grant Recipient certifies that Grant Recipient has not been identified, and has not utilized the services of any agent or subcontractor, on the Iran divestment list created by the State Treasurer pursuant to G.S. 147-86.58. B. Status. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to create the relationship of principal and agent, or employer and employee, between Grant Recipient and Economic Development or Orange County Government. Grant Recipient understands and agrees that he/she is not authorized to incur any expenses or any liability whatsoever on behalf of the County or Economic Development and has no authority, expressed or implied, to obligate or make representations on behalf of the County or Economic Development. C. Entire Agreement and Signatures. The parties have read this Agreement and agree to be bound by all of its terms, and further agree that it constitutes the complete and exclusive Agreement between the parties unless and until modified in writing and signed by the parties. This Agreement together with any amendments or modifications may be executed electronically. All electronic signatures affixed hereto evidence the intent of the Parties to comply with Article 11A and Article 40 of North Carolina General Statute Chapter 66. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Orange County and the Grant Recipient have signed this Grant Agreement, effective on the last date this Agreement is signed by both parties as indicated by the dates set forth under signatures below. For and on behalf of the Grant Recipient By: ___________________________________ Katy Poitras, Member For and on behalf of Orange County Government _______________________________________ Travis Myren, County Manager Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F 12/16/2025 12/17/2025 Revised 12/25 Exhibit A ORANGE COUNTY BUSINESS INVESTMENT GRANT PROGRAM Guidelines PURPOSE The purpose of the Orange County Business Investment Grant Program (Grant Program) is to stimulate successful non-farm Business Investment development and expansion in Orange County (County). Farmers should complete the Orange County Agricultural Grant Application. By making economic development grant funds available, the County will be growing its entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting existing Business Investment and early-stage venture growth, in order to increase jobs, opportunities and grow the commercial tax base in Orange County. Grant recipients receiving funding through this program will be encouraged to be good corporate citizens and encouraged to employ Orange County residents. The program will provide two types of grants: • Small Grants: Up to $5,000.00 • Large Grants: From $5,000.01 - $10,000.00 Orange County actively seeks to support and increase the participation of women and minority owned businesses in this grant program. Partner organizations are available to assist any applicant with the required documentation to submit the grant application. Please reach out to the Economic Development Department (edcmail@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-2325) with any questions, or for assistance getting connected with any of the partner organizations listed below. • SCORE Chapel Hill (Service Corps of Retired Executives) 104 S. Estes Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (919) 240-7765 https://chapelhill.score.org/ Chapelhillinfo@scorevolunteer.org • SBTDC (Small Business & Technology Development Center) UNC Chapel Hill, 1700 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Suite 115 / CB# 1823, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (919) 962-0389 http://www.sbtdc.org/offices/unc/#sthash.UJQjZW0L.dpuf • The Small Business Center (Durham Technical Community College) The Chesterfield 701 W. Main Street, Suite 203, Durham, NC 27701 919-536-7241 https://www.durhamtech.edu/small-business-center GRANT SUBCOMMITTEE The Grant Subcommittee (Subcommittee) will review all applications and make grant recommendations. The Subcommittee will be comprised of 5 members from the Orange County Economic Development Advisory Board. The Subcommittee Chair, elected by the Subcommittee, shall generally monitor the duties of the Grant Program administration; make sure grant proposals are properly prepared prior to thei r presentations at Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F Revised 12/25 the Subcommittee meetings, with the assistance of County staff if needed. The Subcommittee will have the following responsibilities: • Find creative ways to grant funds to stimulate successful Business Investment development and job creation. • Review grant applications quarterly and, determine which applications meet eligibility requirements and whether an eligible application will be approved, approved with conditions, submitted to the applicant for more information, or denied funding. • Periodically review status of existing grants to determine if funds are being used in the manner in which they were intended and recommend appropriate corrective action where needed. • Evaluate grant application requirements and make appropriate adjustments as needed to accomplish the objectives of the program. • Conduct annual review of grants and their impact on the County’s Business Investment environment. • Provide explanation of why grant was not approved, if requested. GRANT PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION The Grant Program will be administered by a Subcommittee consisting of five members from the Orange County Economic Development Advisory Board. The Subcommittee will meet quarterly to make and facilitate grants. A quorum will consist of 3 voting members of the Subcommittee. As outlined in the Orange County Advisory Board Ethics Guidelines, a member shall disclose any potential conflict of interest and request to be excused from voting when there is a conflict of interest. County staff may be utilized to service grants, including receiving applications, notifying applicants of the Subcommittee’s decision, making payment to grant recipients, and generating administrative reports. DEADLINES (of each year by 5:00 pm) • February 28th • June 30th • October 31st Grant cycle deadlines may be adjusted should program funding be depleted early during the fiscal year. Please check the Orange County Economic Development website for up-to-date information on the next available grant cycle. FUNDING The County will provide funding for the Grant Program through revenues generated from the Orange County quarter cent sales tax. COMMITMENT PERIOD The County will support the Program until funding is exhausted; demand for the Program no longer exists, or until it is no longer financially feasible. ELIGIBILITY • Applicant’s business must be physically located in Orange County, North Carolina in areas zoned appropriately for their use. If a business is operating out of their Orange County residence as a home-based business, they shall seek confirmation from the entity having jurisdiction that any additional approval related to home-based businesses has been received and shall provide evidence of such approval upon request. A virtual address or P.O. Box in Orange County, NC does not meet the physical location requirements for this grant program. Applicant’s business must be in operation, generating sales/revenue, for at last 6 -months prior to the application deadline to be eligible for the Small Grant, and for at least 12-months for the Large Grant Program. If a business has operated within a different Orange County physical location during the prior 6- or 12-month period, please provide all physical addresses associated in the application. • Applicants and their businesses must not have any past due tax, fee, or fine applicable to Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F Revised 12/25 Orange County. Businesses are responsible for annually completing and submitting a business personal property listing form to the Orange County Tax Office by January 31st each year. Additional information on this process can be located at the following page: https://www.orangecountync.gov/1783/Business-Personal-Property. The Orange County Tax Office will review and follow-up with businesses that are found to have outstanding taxes and apply to the grant program. • Applicant must be current with any existing Orange County Small Business Loan or Emergency Small Business Loan Payments. • Applicant must wait at least 6-months from previous award before reapplying under the small grant or large grant categories. • Duplication of benefits prohibited. No individual applicant’s business or affiliated owner(s) shall receive in excess of $10,000 from Orange County’s Small Business and Large Business Investment Grant Programs, the Agriculture Grant Program, and any other County grant awards over a three-year period. This prohibition includes a situation in which the same owner(s) owns multiple businesses. In such a situation if one or more of the multiple businesses applied for a grant(s) the maximum available to any one or more of such businesses is $10,000. • Applicants who have taken legal action against the County in the past 12-months, or have an active legal case, and who applies for any available County grant program, are ineligible to apply for and receive grant funding through Orange County Government until the settlement or dismissal of such legal action. • Businesses in which Orange County elected officials have any financial or ownership interest are ineligible to apply. • Businesses in which grant program administrative staff of the Orange County Economic Development Office, the Orange County Cooperative Extension Office, and the review committee members of the Business Investment Grant and Agriculture Grant programs have any financial or ownership interest are ineligible to apply. Other Orange County employees and Advisory Board members not directly connected to the grant program are eligible to apply. • Applicant must agree to the following terms and conditions to submit their application: “By submitting this application, you are (1) certifying that all the information provided in this application is true and accurate; (2) Granting us permission to contact your primary bank, mortgagor or landlord (as applicable), any owner of the business, or otherwise verify information included in your application if determined helpful in assessing your application; and (3) Agreeing to cooperate and assist in the verification of information provided in this application and to provide additional information if requested. Applicant further understands that should the Applicant herein be awarded assistance and there is a subsequent determination that misleading or false information was provided in this application or otherwise provided to obtain the assistance, the Applicant may be subject to civil or criminal penalties.” CONDITIONS OF RECEIVING A GRANT • Applicant must fill out a grant application and submit required supporting documents through Submittable. • Applicant may be asked to provide additional information via email or through a short video uploaded to the Submittable platform about how grant funds will be used, and to answer any questions about their business or application. If asked to provide such additional information Applicant shall do so. • The commitment of grant money for a proposed project expires 12-months from the approval date as noted on the application. For reasonable project delays, the expiration date may be extended by the Grant Administrator upon written request by the applicant. • Each grant recipient receiving a grant must provide an accounting of how all funds were used and key milestones reached by the venture within 180 days of the receipt of the grant. An additional one-year expenditure report on jobs, sales and key milestones of the venture will be required within 365 days of receipt of the grant. This accounting will include a request for proof of expenditures made including copies of receipts and/or photos of the equipment, inventory purchased, or facility upgrades made. If grant funds are used towards employee costs, a copy of Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F Revised 12/25 the business’ NC Employment Security Commission reports or IRS 941 Payroll quarterly reports shall be provided to the County as evidence of compliance. • To guarantee grant funds are utilized for the purposes for which they are approved and issued, grant recipients shall execute and agree to be bound by a personal guaranty of the grant amount prior to disbursement. Failure to utilize grant funds as required may result in collection action against the grant recipient. • As a condition of receiving grant funds, Grant recipients may be asked to commit to mentoring, and if asked shall do so, with an experienced business coach or mentor at one of the following: ➢ SCORE Chapel Hill (Service Corps of Retired Executives) 104 S. Estes Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (919) 240-7765 https://chapelhill.score.org/ Chapelhillinfo@scorevolunteer.org ➢ SBTDC (Small Business & Technology Development Center) UNC Chapel Hill, 1700 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Suite 115 / CB# 1823, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (919) 962-0389 http://www.sbtdc.org/offices/unc/#sthash.UJQjZW0L.dpuf ➢ The Small Business Center (Durham Technical Community College) The Chesterfield 701 W. Main Street, Suite 203, Durham, NC 27701 919-536-7241 https://www.durhamtech.edu/small-business-center ➢ Launch, Inc. (by application) 136 East Rosemary St #100, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (919) 244-2474 http://www.launchchapelhill.com/ info@launchchapelhill.com ➢ A mentor approved by the Subcommittee ELIGIBLE USES OF GRANT PROCEEDS For-Profit Applicants • Marketing and advertising • Inventory and supplies • Purchase of equipment and/or machinery (Tangible items to be reported to the Orange County Tax Office as Business Personal Property.) • Workforce expansion; to include employee salary, at or above the Orange County living wage. New job hires shall be with the intent to become permanent positions. and • Tenant up-fit or leasehold improvements. Purchase quote(s) and/or invoice(s) must be included in the application and match each of the specific use of grant funds outlined in the application. For workforce expansion, the applicant must include position detail, wage information and total amount of grant funding requested. Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F Revised 12/25 Non-Profit Applicants • Workforce expansion is the only eligible use; to include employee salary (at or above the Orange County living wage.) New job hires shall be with the intent to become permanent positions. For workforce expansion, the applicant must include position detail, wage information and total amount of grant funding requested. The grant recipient is bound to the use(s) of funds outlined in the application and approved by the committee. Any change of use from those approved by the committee requires authorization from County Economic Development staff and/or grant committee approval prior to funds being spent on alternative uses. This approval will occur through the completion and approval of the “Change of Use” form in the applicant’s Submittable Account. Deviation from this approach may result in activation of the “Clawback/Collections Policy” outlined at the end of this document. Grant funds may not be used to reimburse prior expenses incurred before grant funds are received. GRANT PROCEEDS SHALL NOT BE USED FOR THE FOLLOWING • Towards the cost of any tax implications, including any as a result of receiving the grant funds • Towards the cost of any prior purchase(s) made of equipment, materials, and/or services. • Re-granting funds and/or utilizing funds to cover a product or service that would be donated by the grant recipient (scholarship and donation of goods/services) • Vendor services not directly contributing to job growth/retention and/or revenue generation within Orange County • Non-Profit Agency fundraising that is not directly contributing to job growth/retention and/or revenue generation within Orange County • Paying off or reducing existing bank debt or investor loans • Purchase of equipment or improvement of real estate to be used for personal use • Rent • Political activities • Owner salary • Speculative ventures (Examples: cryptocurrency purchases, commodity futures, lending or investment). • Real property held for sale or investment • Pyramid sales - distribution plan businesses • Foreign controlled businesses • Private membership clubs COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE REGULATIONS In all cases, grants made from this program must be consistent and in accordance with the following: • All state and local regulations governing the applicant's business. • Terms and conditions established by the Subcommittee for each individual applicant. • Policies established by the Board of County Commissioners dealing with the Grant Program. • Ventures that implement planning and economic development policies which create a balanced, dynamic local economy that promotes diversity, sustainable growth, and enhanced revenue while embracing community values will also be given priority. AMOUNT OF GRANTS Use of funds for all grant programs - Priority will be given to applicants demonstrating a clear need for grant funds to grow their business, hire additional staff, grow the commercial tax base, and/or create a significant economic impact in the County that can be measured by job growth and/or net new retail or property tax revenues. Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F Revised 12/25 Small Grant – Up to $5,000.00 Grant applications up to $5,000.00 are intended for applicants that have been operational, generating sales/revenue, for at least 6-months. Large Grant – $5,000,01 - $10,000.00 Grant applications for $5,000.01 or more are intended for applicants that have been operational, generating sales/revenue, for at least 1-year and will require additional financial information and a formal business plan. Should market conditions change, or in the event of an applicant with extraordinary conditions, a grant amount exceeding the maximum may be considered by the Subcommittee. All grants are subject to availability of funds. High Potential Founders - Although all applicants will be considered, business owners who exhibit the following characteristics will be given priority: a. Have a thorough understanding of their market b. Have assembled a talented paid team of employees c. Have a passion for building their venture in Orange County High Potential Ventures - Priority will be given to “growth” ventures capable of expanding rapidly, renting office space in Orange County, and hiring Orange County residents. Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F Revised 12/25 Small Grant Application Requirements $5,000.00 or less Large Grant Application Requirements ($5,000.01 - $10,000.00) Applicant Information: 1. Date Business Opened 2. Business Name/DBA 3. Legal Business Structure 4. Street Address/Mailing Address 5. What type of business space 6. Tax ID/ Employment Identification Number 7. Business phone number 8. E-mail address 9. Website/Social Media Account 10. Business Owner(s) Name 11. Business Owner(s) Address 12. Business Owner(s) % of Ownership 13. Describe prior business experience 14. % of personal income from enterprise 15. Brief Description of Business (Target Market and Customer Base) 16. Number of Employees (Full and Part Time) 17. Do you pay a living wage/what % of employees 18. Describe your potential to add jobs 19. Commitment to keep business in Orange County Applicant Financial Information: 20. Gross Sales for operating history 21. Business Checking Account Balance 22. Source of Funding 23. Balance In Other Accounts 24. Existing Business Debts 25. Business Financial Statements for operating history (Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss, etc.) Description of Business Operations: 26. *Detailed Written Business Plan (5-10 pages) or PowerPoint Pitch Deck Grant Use Details: 27. Amount of Grant Requested 28. Brief description of grant project, including details, invoices and/or quotes of how funds will be used, goals and objectives and anticipated benefits of the project to your business. Optional Additional Information: 29. *Video (5 minutes or less) or Photos showcasing your business * Notes an optional response Applicant Information: 1. Date Business Opened 2. Business Name/DBA 3. Legal Business Structure 4. Street Address/Mailing Address 5. What type of business space 6. Tax ID/ Employment Identification Number 7. Business phone number 8. E-mail address 9. Website/Social Media Account 10. Business Owner(s) Name 11. Business Owner(s) Address 12. Business Owner(s) % of Ownership 13. Describe prior business experience 14. % of personal income from enterprise 15. Brief Description of Business (Target Market and Customer Base) 16. Number of Employees (Full and Part Time) 17. Do you pay a living wage/what % of employees 18. Describe your potential to add jobs 19. Commitment to keep business in Orange County ● Applicant Financial Information: 20. Gross Annual Sales for operating history 21. Current Business Checking Account Balance 22. Source of Funding 23. Balance(s) In Other Accounts 24. Existing Business Debts 25. Business Financial Statements for operating history (Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss, etc.) Description of Business Operations: 26. Detailed Written Business Plan (5-10 pages) or PowerPoint Pitch Deck Grant Use Details: 27. Amount of Grant Requested 28. Brief description of grant project, including details, invoices and/or quotes of how funds will be used, goals and objectives and anticipated benefits of the project to your business. Optional Additional Information: 29. *Video (5 minutes or less) or Photos showcasing your business Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F Revised 12/25 PROCEDURES Applicants will be referred to the Orange County Economic Development (Department) website where they will complete and submit their application. Applications (with required documents) must be submitted via Submittable. 1. If asked to appear before the Subcommittee, applicants will be provided interview dates and times no later than two weeks prior to the Subcommittee’s next meeting date. 2. County staff will provide completed applications to the Subcommittee for their review no later than three weeks prior to its next scheduled meeting. The Subcommittee will complete their review of the applications in Submittable at least two business days prior to the scheduled grant review meeting. 3. At its scheduled quarterly meeting, the Subcommittee will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of complete grant application(s) and decide whether or not to take action on the request, based on the information provided. 4. The Subcommittee shall take action that may include funding the request at the full amount, partially funding the request, deferring the request to the next grant cycle while requesting additional information, or denying the request. They will comment on the applications via Submittable. 5. The applicant will be informed in writing by County staff of the Subcommittee’s decision to deny, grant, grant with condition, or seek more information. If the Subcommittee denies a grant request, it shall provide an explanation to the applicant. 6. Should the Subcommittee deny an application; the Subcommittee will not consider any applications from that applicant for at least six months. Should an applicant think that their application has been improperly denied, then the applicant may notify, in writing, the Subcommittee. The notice to the Subcommittee shall state why the applicant thinks the grant should be approved. The application shall then be given further consideration by the Subcommittee and its decision is final. 7. At its discretion, the Subcommittee may impose any additional terms to a grant request. The Subcommittee may require an itemized budget detailing the proposed use of grant funds. 8. Applicants agree to utilize grant funds for their intended use. Each grant recipient receiving a grant must provide an accounting of how all funds were used, or will be used, and key milestones reached by the venture within 180 days of the receipt of the grant. This accounting will include a request for proof of expenditures made including copies of receipts and/or photos of the equipment or facility upgrades made. If grant funds are used towards employee costs, a copy of the grant recipient’s NC Employment Security Commission reports or IRS 941 Payroll Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F Revised 12/25 quarterly reports shall be provided to the County as evidence of compliance. An additional one- year expenditure report on jobs, sales and key milestones of the venture will be required within 365 days of receipt of the grant. 9. As a condition of receiving grant funds, grant recipients may be asked to commit to a mentoring period as detailed above (CONDITIONS OF RECEIVING A GRANT). 10. If a grant recipient fails to complete items #8 and #9 in a timely manner, as the County in its discretion may determine, the County has the right to require all grant funds back from the grant recipient and the grant recipient shall return the grant funds to the County within thirty (30) days of the County’s written request for such funds. Upon failure of the grant recipient to return the funds, the County may initiate legal proceedings against the grant recipient. Failure to complete items #8 and #9 shall make the grant recipient ineligible for future funding opportunities through the County. 11. The Subcommittee shall provide annual reports to the Economic Development Department and the BOCC of the number of grants requested, approved and denied, and a 2-3 page written analysis of the program’s success metrics to date. 12. Documents, including but not limited to financial statements, business plans, customer and supplier lists, description of inventory or assets, contractual obligations, and existing liabilities, submitted during the application process shall be treated as confidential information. ORANGE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS CLAWBACK/COLLECTION POLICY SECTION 1 PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY: This administrative policy is intended to serve as a guideline by which grant funds may be collected or clawed back by Orange County. The Economic Development Department administers the following Grant Programs: The Business Investment Grant Program; the Agriculture Grant Program. Each program has requirements grantees must meet in order to satisfy the terms of their respective grant agreements. Failure to meet the requirements of the programs and the grant agreements and thereafter the failure to cure the initial problem will result in the County exercising its rights to collect or clawback the grant funds. Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F Revised 12/25 SECTION 2 COLLECTION PROCEDURE: Upon discovery by Economic Development staff that a grantee or grantee’s agent has failed to comply with the terms of the grant program or grant agreement Economic Development staff shall engage in the following process: Step 1; Upon initial discovery, send written notice to the grantee and grantee’s agent. Notice may be via email or first-class mail, Step 2; Upon failure to comply send via first class mail final notice, Step 3; Upon failure to comply notify the appropriate entity to investigate further. Information to be included in Step 1: Identify the grantee and grantee’s agent responsible for payment Identify the terms of the policy or agreement with which the grantee is noncompliant Notify the grantee how they may achieve compliance Notify the grantee they should come into compliance within 30 days Information to be included in Step 2: Notify the grantee that they must come into immediate compliance Notify the grantee that failure to comply within 10 business days will result in further action Notify the grantee that further action may involve reporting to law enforcement where fraudulent activity is suspected or collection litigation for all other situations Step 3: Notify law enforcement where fraudulent activity is suspected. For all other situations notify the County Attorney’s office possible collection litigation. Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F Revised 12/25 Exhibit B Additional Terms No additional terms imposed. Exhibit C Additional Information Physical location of Orange County business: 431 West Franklin Street #210, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 Business Registration Address: 431 West Franklin Street #210, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 Use of Funds: Marketing/Advertising. Bloomify Agency Service Arrangement. Website refresh, strengthen our marketing to 'Gen Z' and content monetization, general marketing. Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F Revision 07/25 FORM OF PERSONAL GUARANTY IN CONSIDERATION of the Grant made by Orange County, North Carolina (referred to below as the “County”) to Here and Meow Cat Café, LLC, a North Carolina (corporation)/(limited liability company) (hereinafter referred to as “Grant Recipient”), Katy Poitras, (hereinafter referred to as “Guarantor(s)”), each absolutely and unconditionally, guarantees to the County the completion of the project approved under that certain Orange County Economic Development Business Investment Grant Agreement dated December 16, 2025 with a Grant Award in the amount of $1,500, (hereinafter referred to as the “Grant Agreement”) which obligations and liability set forth therein are hereinafter referred to as the Guaranteed Obligations. The Guarantor hereby absolutely, irrevocably, and unconditionally guarantees to the County the performance and payment of any and all amounts, liabilities, and obligations now or hereafter owing by Grant Recipient to County under the Grant Agreement , including, without limitation, full reimbursement of the Grant Award, reasonable attorneys' fees and collection costs, and all other liabilities and obligations of Grant Recipient to County under the Grant Agreement all of which constitute Guaranteed Obligations. Guarantor agrees that Guarantor's liability under this Personal Guaranty will be primary and direct, and that County will not be required to pursue any right or remedy it may have against Grant Recipient under the Grant Agreement or otherwise (and will not be required to first commence any action or obtain any judgment against Grant Recipient) before enforcing this Personal Guaranty against Guarantor. The Guarantor expressly waives the following: Notice of the incurring of Guaranteed Obligations by the Grant Recipient; the acceptance of this Personal Guaranty by the County; presentment and demand for payment, protest, notice of protest and notice of dishonor or nonpayment of any instrument evidencing indebtedness of the Grant Recipient; any right to require suit against the Grant Recipient or any other party before enforcing this Personal Guaranty; and any right of subrogation to the County’s rights against the Grant Recipient until the Grant Recipient’s project is completed in full. Any notice to Guarantor by the County at any time shall not imply that such notice or any further or similar notice was or is required. The Guarantor hereby consents and agrees that renewals and extensions of time of payment, surrender, release, exchange, substitution, taking or release of other guarantees, abstaining from taking advantage of or realizing upon any collateral security by the County to the Grant Recipient or any other party, may be made, granted, and effected by the County without notice to each Guarantor and without in any manner affecting his or her liability hereunder. In the event that a petition in bankruptcy or reorganization of the Grant Recipient under the bankruptcy laws or for the appointment of a receiver for the Grant Recipient or any of its property is filed by or against the Grant Recipient, or if the Grant Recipient shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors or shall become insolvent , the Guaranteed Obligations shall be deemed at the County’s election to have become immediately due and payable. Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F FORM OF PERSONAL GUARANTY 2 This Personal Guaranty shall be binding upon each Guarantor and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, jointly and severally, and shall inure to the benefit of the County and its successors and assigns. This Personal Guaranty may be executed electronically. All electronic signatures affixed hereto evidence the consent of the Parties to utilize electronic signatures and the intent of the parties to comply with Article 11A and Article 40 of North Carolina General Statute Chapter 66. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Personal Guaranty has been executed and delivered to the County by each undersigned Guarantor this 16th day of December, 2025. ______________________________ Guarantor Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F Revised 01/24 1 ORANGE COUNTY—INTERNAL USE ONLY ______________________________________________________________________________ Finance Information Vendor Name: Here and Meow Cat Café, LLC Vendor Contact Person: Katy Poitras Phone: 843-345-5289 Address: 431 West Franklin Street #210 City Chapel Hill State: NC Zip: 27516 Department: Economic Development Amount: $1,500.00 Purpose: Business Investment Grant Budget Code(s): 34600020-900051 Vendor # 67443 Vendor Status with NCSOS: Current-Active Vendor is a BOCC consultant: Yes No Contract Details Contract Type: New Amendment (Original Contract: ) (Most Recent Amendment ) Effective Date 12/16/25 End Date Notice Date (Notice Purpose ) Award Approved by Board (Agenda Date: ); Made or Administered by Signature Authority - BOCC Express Delegation (Agenda Date: ) - Policy 9.4: Under $5,000; Service Under $90,000; Construction Under $250,000 - Budget Policy Section XV (Capital Improvement Project: ) Bidding Informal Bidding ($30k-$90k); Formal RFP ($90k+); Other (<$30k); Exception(# ) Department Affirmation This agreement is approved as to technical form and content and I as Department Director affirmatively state work on this project has not been initiated prior to execution of the agreement. This agreement is approved as to technical form and content. Services related to this agreement have already begun or been completed. Description of the nature of the emergency condition that was addressed: Department Director’s Signature ________________________________________ Date: ________ Information Technologies This agreement has been reviewed and is approved as to information technology content and specifications: Office of the Chief Information Officer___________________________________ Date: ________ Inapplicable because no hardware/software purchases or related services Risk Management This agreement is approved for sufficiency of insurance standards, specifications, and requirements: Office of the Risk Management Officer___________________________________ Date: _________ Financial Services This instrument has been pre-audited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act: Office of the Chief Financial Officer ____________________________________ Date: _________ Legal Services This agreement is approved as to legal form and sufficiency: Office of the County Attorney __________________________________________Date: ________ Clerk to the Board All Docusign contracts must be copied to the Clerk upon completion: occlerkdocs@orangecountync.gov The following signature block is for hard copies only and is not required for Docusign contracts: Received for record retention: Office of the Clerk to the Board __________________________________________Date:_________ Docusign Envelope ID: 0C2A0F75-10A7-4AA1-9716-E683B878172F 12/16/2025 12/17/2025 12/17/2025