WNC Small Business Relief Grants
WNC independent businesses, artists, shops, and restaurants face limited access to funds, a loss of over $2 billion in tourism from leaf season, and unexpected devastation to their businesses, property, and livelihoods. We are tracking WNC Small Business Relief Grants as they become available to the area and will update this page regularly, so please check back for new resources.
WNC Small Business Relief Grants
Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative
Funded by: Appalachian Community Capital and the Dogwood Health Trust
The initiative is partnering with local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide relief grants of up to $25,000 to very small businesses across the region that sustained physical damage from Hurricane Helene.
Application window open from Oct. 30 – Nov. 27, 2024
Always Asheville Fund
Funded by: Explore Asheville + Community Donations
This 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.
Application timeline: Oct. 31 – Nov. 11, 2024
WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Loans
Funded by: Mountain Bizworks + Community Donations
A streamlined loan from Mountain Bizworks that offers up to $100K with a 6-year term. It offers 1% rate and interest-only payments for the first 12 months, then goes to 6% with regular payments after the first year. Requires a personal guarantee.
Craft Futures Fund WNC Emergency Relief
Funded by: Center for Craft + Community Donations
Craft Futures Fund grant program for emergency relief so that we may direct essential resources to support and care for the artists and community of Western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Grant award amount is $500.
Application window open from Oct. 15 – Nov. 17, 2024
WNC Strong: Rebuilding Together Grant Fund
Funded by: Mountain Bizworks + Community Donations
Offering grants in tiered amounts from $5-30K, based on both physical and economic impact to businesses devastated by Helene. They will support businesses up to $5M in revenue that have been in business for at least one year.
Eligibility and grant amounts have not been posted yet.
ArtsAVL: Emergency Relief Grant
Funded by: ArtsAVL + Community Donations
The grant provides $500 relief stipends to arts professionals working in craft, literary, media, performing, visual, and interdisciplinary arts.
Rolling Application process
NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund
Mountain Strong Fund for Business Recovery
Funded by: Asheville Chamber + Community Donations
Information has not been posted yet as to the details or qualifications for the funds.
Southern Smoke Foundation
Funded by: Southern Smoke Foundation + Community Donations
They have been overloaded with applications for WNC Hurricane relief applicants, but we know a few clients in the hospitality space that have received funds from this organization.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Mountain Bizworks: Additional Grants Available
NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund
The grant application and disbursement process is currently being designed. If you would like to receive details about applying for assistance as soon as they become available, please fill out the Information Request Form.
WNC Long Haul: Recovery and Resilience Fund
Fund by: The Community Foundation of WNC + Community Donations
Your contribution supports broad charitable purposes, including but not limited to supporting Western North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Helene by focusing on continued support in Culture & Arts, Local Business, and Long-Term Support for individuals impacted or displaced. The fund will adapt its grants to meet the evolving needs of the community at the 3 month, 6 month, 1 year, and 3 year marks post storm, ensuring resources are directed where they are most critically needed at each phase of recovery.
