At his Friday, January 31st press conference in Boone, Governor Josh Stein announced that $30 million in grants is now available to small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.   The funding application process is now open and can be accessed online here.

A practice that qualifies . . .

  • Is a for-profit business actively registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State (or a sole proprietorship with an active DBA filing)
  • Is physically located in one of the following Western North Carolina counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, Yancey; or is located in the Qualla Boundary
  • Business was formed and in operation on or before 9/27/23
  • Had $2,500,000 or less in 2023 annual gross revenue
  • Has sustained physical or economic damage (not covered by insurance or other funding sources) from Hurricane Helene
  • Is currently operating or plans to reopen

Applications will be accepted until February 21, 2025.

Governor Stein’s announcement is available here.