Disaster Recovery Resources

A new hub for Hurricane Helene Recovery resources is now LIVE.

 
WNC Strong is a collective of partners who have joined together to create maximum impact for small business owners in our region who were devastated by Hurricane Helene.
 
The website, wncstrongtogether.org, will serve as a regional hub, showcasing:

 
Explore Asheville’s Always Asheville Fund will provide emergency microgrants ($5,000 to $10,000) that can be used for operational or re-opening expenses required for businesses to reopen to the public.
Apply by 11/11/24

 
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has launched the Small Business Hurricane Recovery grant program to provide $5 million in funding, distributing $5,000 grants to 1,000 eligible small businesses across the Southeast.
Apply by 11/17/24

 
The Appalachian Community Capital grant program offers immediate relief grants up to $25,000 to very small businesses in Dogwood’s 18 counties that experienced physical damage from the storm and have less than $1 million in annual revenue.
Apply by 11/27/24

 
NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions Regional Managers and the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership can assist you with finding the resources you need for disaster recovery.
 

 
As a result of Storm Helene, 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are under a Major Disaster Declaration (FEMA-4827-DR). Via NCMEP’s established statewide network, firsthand information indicates that our SMMs (small- and medium-sized manufacturers) are experiencing business interruptions and longer-term continuity of business operations challenges including supply chain disruptions, lost business, financial constraints, workforce constraints, manufacturing facility infrastructure and/or equipment damage, utilities disruptions and other internal and external business operation issues and problems.
 
Affected Counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey, Mecklenburg, Surry, Swain and Yadkin
 

More Business Resources

 
Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) Helene Resources
US Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans

 
Economic Development Partnership of NC (EDPNC) Disaster Recovery Resources

 
WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund
Rapid relief loans to Western North Carolina small businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.

 
US Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans
Assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene.

 
Business Physical Disaster Loan Application

 
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application

 
NC Department of Commerce Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are now available in 25 NC counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians