Asheville Responds: New Funding for Small Businesses Affected by Hurricane Helene
Asheville, a city known for its vibrant culture and strong community spirit, is stepping up to help local businesses hit hard by Hurricane Helene. Recently, Buncombe County announced it is doubling the size of the funding round for the Asheville-Buncombe Rebuilding Together Grant Fund. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to small businesses suffering from the impacts of the hurricane. With grants of up to $25,000, about 200 businesses in the area could soon receive the help they urgently need.
The Growing Need
In the short time since the application process began on November 13, over 309 grant applications have poured in, totaling a whopping $6.6 million in requests. It’s a clear sign of just how deeply businesses have been affected, collectively estimating around $80 million in damages and economic losses due to the storm. What’s even more concerning is the loss of 980 jobs—that’s a staggering decline of 40 percent from pre-Hurricane Helene levels.
Community Support is Key
The support from Buncombe County is no small matter. During their regular meeting on November 19, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved this crucial grant program, emphasizing the importance of helping local businesses recover. Buncombe County Board Chair Brownie Newman expressed, “Supporting small businesses who are working to recover from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene is vital to our local economy.” Partnering with organizations like Mountain BizWorks, this initiative seeks to bolster the local economy by providing targeted financial relief where it’s most needed.
What the Grants Cover
The Asheville-Buncombe Rebuilding Together Grant Fund is designed to aid businesses in a variety of ways. Grants can cover costs related to storm recovery that aren’t reimbursed by insurance or other sources. This includes expenses like cleanup efforts, replacing lost inventory, or even payroll to keep employees on the books while rebuilding efforts are underway. Local business owners are encouraged to apply, and priority will be given to those most affected, including locally-owned small businesses that typically face challenges accessing funding.
Application Information
If you’re a business owner in Buncombe County affected by Hurricane Helene, be sure to apply by November 27, 2024. The good news is that there’s no maximum revenue limit for eligibility, meaning small businesses of various sizes can seek help. Award announcements are expected to be made by December 13, giving hopeful applicants a reason to stay optimistic.
A Message from the Community
Matt Raker, the Executive Director of Mountain BizWorks, shared heartfelt thoughts about the current situation: “Our hearts go out to all our local businesses that are facing so much adversity from Hurricane Helene and its aftereffects.” Emphasizing the need for flexible grant relief, he notes, “They need our support, and especially flexible grant relief to help them recover.” This sense of community support is what will help rally businesses back on their feet.
How to Get Involved
Final Thoughts
The Asheville community stands united in its effort to help local businesses recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. With grant funds now available and a supportive network fostering resilience, there’s hope for a bright future ahead. Remember, when small businesses thrive, we all prosper.
