Recovery Guidance for Your Small Business

Find what you need to navigate your small business through this unprecedented time. We’re here for you to help you rebuild and keep your dreams alive.

Upcoming Classes

Join our upcoming classes to learn how to access grants and other available resources.

Thursday

Nov 2024

Information Session: WNC Small Business Recovery Grant Initiative

Webinar

Zoom

Join us to learn about various funding opportunities for storm-affected small businesses in Western North Carolina, including the newly launched Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative (WNCSBI).

Reserve Your Spot Join the Webinar

Wednesday

Nov 2024

Sesión Informativa: Subvenciones para la Recuperación de Pequeñas Empresas

In-person

Western Women's Business Center

Reunión para conocer más sobre varias oportunidades de financiamiento para las empresas afectadas por la tormenta en el oeste de Carolina del Norte, incluida la recientemente lanzada Iniciativa para Pequeñas Empresas del Oeste de Carolina del Norte (WNCSBI).

Reserve Your Spot Join the Webinar

North Carolina Small Business Recovery Assistance Guide

View PDF provided by North Carolina Department of Commerce and Business Recovery Collaborative

Contact your insurance carrier to file your claim.

If you are leasing business space, ensure that your lease owner has contacted their insurance carrier. Make a list of the damages and document the damage by taking pictures or providing before and after images.

Register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Once a federal disaster declaration has been made for your area, connect with FEMA by completing a DisasterAssistance.gov application online, using the FEMA app which can be downloaded for free from your smart phone’s app store, calling 1-800-621- FEMA (3362) or meeting in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

Visit SBTDC’s Business Recovery website.

Visit sbtdc.org/hurricane-helene for updates on disaster declarations and services available to businesses.

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Talk with a confidential business counselor.

Contact the Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC) or Small Business Center Network (SBCN) for one-on-one counseling assistance by calling 800-228-8443 or visiting sbtdc.org/hurricane-helene or North Carolina Community College SBC (ncsbc.net).

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Experienced business counselors can help you:

Assess the financial impact of the disaster on your business
Develop strategies for your recovery
Reconstruct financial statements
Evaluate options with creditors, including evaluating a business’ ability to repay a loan and make good financial decisions for recovery
Prepare WNC Strong bridge loan and/or SBA disaster loan application(s), which often require detailed financial and tax records.

If needed, apply for a business recovery loan.

Options can include:

Mountain BizWorks’ WNC Strong: Business Recovery Fund – supports North Carolina small businesses and family farms as they recover. Bridge loans are available for up to $100,000.
Application at: WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan – provides low interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profits. There are two types of SBA disaster loans: 1) physical disaster loans of up to $2 million to cover uninsured or underinsured losses and 2) economic injury disaster loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations.
More information at: sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.

If needed, file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim.

If you are not eligible for UI benefits, the business owner and/or employee may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). DUA is a federal program that provides temporary payments to people in a federally declared disaster area whose employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of the disaster. Business owners that are self-employed, a farmer, or a commercial fisherman, who is unemployed as a direct result of the disaster may be eligible. For more information go to des.nc.gov.

Explore business opportunities and resources to find a vendor.

Options include:

Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) – if you want to procure the services of a contractor, consider searching for certified vendors in the HUB database. The searchable database can be found here. If you want to provide services as a contractor, considering applying for certification to be included in the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) database. Information about becoming a certified HUB vendor can be found at ncadmin.nc.gov/businesses/hub/hub-certification.
NC Department of Transportation (DOT) Contractor – the NC DOT needs vendors that can clear debris, provide facility support services, furnish necessary supplies and much more. Visit Hurricane Response/Recovery at ncdot.gov for additional details. To search for available contracts visit NCDOT.gov and connect.ncdot.gov/Pages/default.aspx or email the Office of Civil Rights at BOWD@ncdot.gov. To be certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) visit transportation.
gov/civil-rights/disadvantaged-business-enterprise/ready-apply.

Be wary of rumors and misinformation.

This is common after natural disasters and often leads people to delay real recovery plans. This is common after natural disasters and often leads people to delay real recovery plans. Help keep yourself and your community safe by being aware of rumors and scams, and sharing official information from trusted sources. A list of common rumors about NC’s response to Hurricane Helene is available at ncdps.gov, and a searchable rumor database is available at FEMA.gov.

Business Related Disaster Resources

WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund

Providing vital and rapid relief loans to Western North Carolina small businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.

Apply Here: English and Spanish

SBA Disaster Loans

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by Hurricane Helene.

For more details on the program see this webpage to learn more about the specific terms and eligibility for SBA loans.

FAQ Sheets: English and Spanish

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Employees and self-employed individuals who are unable to work due to the disaster may be eligible for DUA even if they are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance. Apply at: des.nc.gov/dua

SBTDC Helene Response

Find the SBTDC Helene resources here

Once you’re safe and able to communicate with the outside world, here are four things that businesses should do to alert key individuals and help position themselves for US Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans and other funding:

Take photos of the damage and keep a journal. During this hectic and stressful time, it’s important to keep a record of your activities and contacts so you can recall them down the road.
Contact your insurance company to file your claim.
Contact your lender(s). Let them know about your current situation and request interest only payments on any outstanding loans.
Gather your financial statements and other key business information. You will need these to document your business and apply for SBA disaster loans.

EDPNC Disaster Recovery Resources

The EDPNC has compiled a list of available resources for impacted families and businesses.

Additional Programs

FEMA Assistance

FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

There are several ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App or call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Spanish

NC Disaster Relief Fund

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations assisting with storm recovery can apply for funding from the NC Disaster Relief Fund.

Mortgage Resources

If storm damage and business disruption has you worried about paying your mortgage, there are several forms of assistance available.

Homeowners with conventional mortgages should contact their loan servicer as soon as possible to see if they are eligible for mortgage forbearance.

Homeowners with FHA loans may be eligible for a foreclosure moratorium and forbearance.

HUD offers free foreclosure prevention counseling, no matter what kind of mortgage you have.

Homeowners with FHA loans may be eligible for a foreclosure moratorium and forbearance.

HUD offers free foreclosure prevention counseling,, no matter what kind of mortgage you have.

Post-Helene Fundraisers

AVLtoday has compiled a campaign guide for the many businesses facing increased need after the storm. Click to view.

ASAP Connections Resources for Farmers

ASAP is collaborating with other agricultural support agencies to build out the following resource lists. Click to view.

Resources and Grants by Industry/County

Mountain BizWorks has compiled a list of resources – including grants – by industry and county. We continue to update as more become available. Click to view.