Grants

The SmBIZ program will offer grants to local governments, and the related infrastructure (public and utility) projects will target and support small businesses that employ 150 or fewer employees. Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The purpose of the program:

• Provide financial assistance for community recovery and resilience to communities specifically impacted by Hurricane Helene, helping to bring back vital services for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Restore and repair critical infrastructure, allowing small businesses to resume function and operations to support economic recovery and sustainability.
• Assist in restoring or expanding small businesses’ ability to attract customers to business districts to help retain business, expand access, spur private investment to create stability, and leverage resources to create resiliency and economic growth.

The Fund aims to help rebuild and restore the region’s unique and diverse local business communities and retain & re-hire the talented people who work at these businesses.

Eligible businesses may request up to $25,000 in grant funding to cover their costs associated with the storm that were not fully covered by insurance or other funding sources.

Eligible applicants are those local governments impacted by Hurricane Helene and designated before, on, or after March 19, 2025, under a major disaster declaration by the President of the United States under the Stafford Act (P.L. 93-288) as a result of Hurricane Helene (the “Affected Area”). Special consideration will be given to local governments in Tier 1 and Tier 2 Counties. For the purposes of this program, a local government is defined as a city or county within the state of North Carolina.

For full fund overview and eligibility, click here or download PDF.

The Rural Rebuilding Together Grant Fund offers direct grants to businesses who suffered direct physical damage from Hurricane Helene, and which are located within the central business district of Chimney Rock.
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The Fund aims to help rebuild and restore the region’s unique and diverse local business communities and retain & re-hire the talented people who work at these businesses.
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Eligible businesses may request up to $25,000 in grant funding to cover their costs associated with the storm that were not fully covered by insurance or other funding sources.

• Application opens: Thursday, May 8
• Application deadline: Friday, May 30
• Awardees notified by: Tuesday, June 13

For full fund eligibility information, click here.