Low-lying areas of Hendersonville Mobile Estate flooded during Hurricane Helene. (Photo: Greg Childress)
Small businesses in western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene can now apply for grants under a new $30 million partnership, Gov. Josh Stein announced Friday.
Grants of up to $50,000 will be available for businesses who make up to $2.5 million annually. The program is a joint effort between the state and Dogwood Health Trust, an Asheville-based nonprofit.
Businesses can apply via the online portal here. Applications are open until Feb. 21.
Grants can be used to cover expenses including repairs and replacements, environmental cleanup, rents or mortgages, employee retention and hiring, and more.
“Small businesses are the heart of western North Carolina and need our support to get through these slow winter months,” Stein said in a news release. “The Western North Carolina Small Business grant program will help small businesses with their urgent needs and support the region’s economic recovery. I am proud these state dollars are leveraging additional Dogwood Trust dollars, and I am grateful to Dogwood for its leadership.”
The state is also awarding two groups with grants to fund housing repairs. Habitat for Humanity NC and Baptists on Mission will both receive $3 million.
Stein’s top lieutenants for hurricane recovery warned earlier this week that federal money for housing could be delayed for months — possibly into the fall. The state may have to take “creative solutions” to build housing in the meantime, one said.
Funds for the small business grant program will be managed by Appalachian Community Capital, a Virginia-based loan agency, in partnership with the Community Reinvestment Fund.