Support Available for Small Businesses in Asheville After Hurricane Helene
Asheville, a vibrant city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is stepping up to help local businesses recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. The storm wreaked havoc, leaving many small businesses struggling to regain their footing. In response to this dire situation, the Asheville-Buncombe Rebuilding Together Grant Fund has been introduced to support these vital local enterprises.
What’s the Grant About?
The Asheville-Buncombe Rebuilding Together Grant Fund is specifically designed to offer direct grant awards to small businesses that have faced severe disruptions due to the hurricane. If you’re a business owner in the City of Asheville or Buncombe County, this could be a lifeline for you. The grants can go up to $25,000 and are intended to cover recovery expenses that are not taken care of by insurance or other funding sources. This means you could get crucial financial help to tackle bills or repair costs that have piled up after the storm.
Who Can Apply?
One of the best parts about this grant is that there isn’t an annual revenue threshold, meaning many small businesses can apply, regardless of how much they bring in. However, eligible businesses must have fewer than 200 employees. Priority will be given to those that have been the hardest hit by the hurricane, particularly independent business owners who might not have other funding options available to them. So, if your business has been struggling, this grant could be a great fit!
Application Deadline
If you think you qualify, don’t wait too long! The deadline to apply for these grants is November 27, so mark your calendars and get your applications in on time!
More Grant Opportunities on the Horizon
If the Asheville-Buncombe Rebuilding Together Grant Fund isn’t quite what you need, there are other options out there as well. For instance, the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative is also stepping up to provide assistance. They have the Appalachian Community Capital grant program, which is offering immediate relief grants of up to $25,000 for very small businesses across 18 counties that experienced physical damage from the storm. Just like the Asheville-Buncombe grant, there is a deadline to keep in mind – applications for this program are also due by November 27.
Additional Support from Lowe’s
In addition, Lowe’s has partnered with LISC to roll out their own recovery fund. This initiative will offer $20,000 grants to as many as 100 small businesses in Western North Carolina, once again aiming to accelerate recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene. The deadline for this application is a bit earlier: November 22, so make sure to look into that if you think you qualify!
Helpful Resources and Webinars
To help owners through the process of applying and finding additional resources, Mountain BizWorks is currently hosting weekly webinars in English and in-person meetings in Spanish. These sessions are a great way to get your questions answered and gain insight about various grants and resources that are available. You don’t have to navigate this recovery journey alone – there is support available!
Keep an Eye Out for More Opportunities
Even if none of these grants suit your specific needs, rest assured that more assistance is on the way. The local community is actively working to provide the necessary support for recovery. It’s essential for the survival of our local businesses, and many organizations are collaborating to make sure that help is available.
As the city of Asheville comes together to support its local businesses, knowing about these resources could make a world of difference. Whether you are a business owner or know someone who might benefit from these funds, be sure to spread the word and apply before the deadlines. Recovery is a journey, but with the right help, it’s one that can lead to a brighter future!
