Updated December 4, 2024
In the weeks since Hurricane Helene devastated much of Western North Carolina, small businesses have faced no shortage of challenges. Many are left wondering whether they will be able to rebuild at all amid lack of clean running water and slow and uncertain federal relief.
Below is a list of resources — from job fairs to grant and loan programs — available to small businesses, workers and others throughout the region. Note: Some opportunities have upcoming deadlines.
Is there a resource that you think should be included on this list? Email news@bpr.org with details.
Small Business Recovery Fairs and Info Sessions:
FEMA info session: On Tuesday, December 10, from 1-2:30 p.m., FEMA will hold a webinar titled "Disaster Response: Small Business Resources, Insurance, and Claims." The session is part of a series aimed at sharing critical information and resources for small businesses to successfully navigate disaster recovery and build resiliency. For more details and to register online, click here.
Grants and Loans with Upcoming Deadlines:
WE ARE Grant: This grant is available to woman-owned (at least 51%) small businesses in Western North Carolina that experienced significant loss due to Hurricane Helene. The application deadline is Tuesday, December 10, 2024. For more details and to apply online, click here.
Grants and Loans with Rolling Deadlines:
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans: The SBA is still accepting loan applications, but new loan offers are on hold until Congress allocates additional funding. More information is available here.
Mountain BizWorks WNC Strong - Helene Business Recovery Fund: The fund provides rapid recovery loans of up to $100,000 to small businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. Applicants must meet several criteria, including at least six months of operating history and fewer than 100 employees. More information and an online application are available here.
Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Emergency and Disaster Response Fund: The fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to eligible nonprofits for frontline human services, and grants of up to $50,000 to eligible nonprofits that either sustained direct facility damage or whose work is focused on repair and remediation. Applicants must address one of CFWNC’s four focus areas: Education, cultural resources, human services and natural resources. More information is available here.
United Way North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund: Eligible nonprofits that are assisting storm-impacted communities with immediate recovery needs such as tarps, water, food and/or cleaning supplies can seek grants of up to $10,000. To apply online and for more information, click here.
Rotary Club of Asheville Disaster Grant: Applications for grants of up to $5,000 are open to organizations classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity, school or government agency. A committee will review applications on a bi-weekly basis. For more details and to apply online, click here.
National Independent Venue Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: The fund provides up to $25,000 to independent, live performance venues and promoters experiencing a critically severe emergency. Applicants may be either for-profit or nonprofit businesses and must meet certain criteria. For more details, click here.
NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund: The North Carolina Arts Foundation will provide funding and assistance to artists and arts organizations affected by Hurricane Helene. The grant process is currently under development. To sign up to receive application details as soon as they are available, click here.
WNC Tip It Forward: The fund, spearheaded by GBX Group, Asheville Independent Restaurants (AIR) and Arts AVL, provides relief grants to eligible culinary and creative workers in Western North Carolina. For more information, click here.
ArtsAVL has a comprehensive list of emergency support resources for artists and arts organizations here.
WNC Strong, a coalition of groups dedicated to supporting small business owners in the region, has a list of additional grants here and recovery guidance here.
