Western NC Small Business Initiative
The Western North Carolina Small Business is partnering with local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide relief grants up to $25,000 to very small businesses across the region that sustained physical damage from Hurricane Helene. Small businesses can use the grants to cover expenses related to recovery and reopening in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Eligible uses include repair and replacement of physical damage, environmental cleanup, payment of business-related rents or mortgages, employee retention and hiring, and more.
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on November 27, 2024. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered. To learn more and apply online, go to https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/wnscb-grant/
Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program
On October 31, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation officially launched the Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program in partnership with American Express to support small businesses impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Eligible small businesses can apply online here starting October 31 through November 17, 2024. The program offers a $5,000 grant to businesses that meet eligibility requirements, including but not limited to the following: Located in SBA disaster-declared counties; financially harmed and can’t cover costs; have between 1-25 employees.
More information can be found on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation website.
Immediate Needs Grants for Affected Farmers
WNC Communities recognizes that farmers in the region have immediate disaster relief need to stabilize their farm businesses and to support a resilient regional food system. The goal of this program is to provide resources quickly, while making reasonable efforts not to duplicate other funding sources. These funds are meant to assist legitimate farm businesses with urgent needs that will directly impact the ability to get the farm business back in operation as soon as possible. The Immediate Disaster Needs grant is offered by WNC Communities as part of our WNCC Regional Support, LLC.
Additional Help for Agriculture Businesses
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a suite of disaster assistance, farm loan and conservation programs to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to recover. In September 2024, USDA made changes to its emergency loan program so that producers can access emergency loans for any amount of damage (previously farmers had to show a 30% production loss), and to increase access to flexible repayment terms, including interest-only payments, if necessary to recover from the disaster. USDA has also instructed staff to exercise maximum flexibility in many of its programs to ensure farmers get timely help. Several program deadlines have also been extended.
Visit farmers.gov/hurricane for a full list of programs as well as available flexibilities to help after hurricanes Helene and Milton. You can also find and visit your nearest USDA Service Center or call the Farm Service Agency Call Center at 877-508-8364 to get assistance.
FEMA Public Assistance Grants (Only Non-profits)
Faith-based, community, volunteer, and non-profit organizations may be eligible to apply for FEMA grants in areas eligible for the FEMA Public Assistance program. Only organizations with state or IRS tax exempt status may be considered. Grants assistance may be provided for the repair, replacement. or restoration of disaster-damaged facilities of certain private non-profit (PNP) organizations. Contact your local, state, tribal or territorial emergency manager for more information to begin the application process.