Governor Josh Stein has announced the allocation of approximately $8.5 million in infrastructure grants aimed at supporting small business recovery in western North Carolina. These funds will be directed towards 13 local projects under the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ). The initiative is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Governor Stein emphasized the importance of reliable infrastructure for business operations, expressing gratitude to the General Assembly for its funding partnership.
The projects funded by the grants will focus on restoring and improving critical infrastructure systems, such as water and sewer lines, stormwater controls, and utility relocations. These improvements are essential for the success of small businesses, as they help stabilize commercial districts and safeguard long-term economic activities. Since November 2025, the program has awarded nearly $30 million to support recovery efforts in the region.
The SmBIZ program was established with a $55 million appropriation from the North Carolina General Assembly, providing grants of up to $1 million to local governments. These grants specifically target infrastructure damage impacting small business districts. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley highlighted the program’s role in restoring economic functionality in affected areas.
To facilitate efficient project advancement, the Department of Commerce has adjusted grant procedures to allow upfront funding for recipients. This measure aims to prevent delays associated with reimbursement timelines and accelerate progress in impacted communities. Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Development Reginald Speight noted the strategic public investments’ role in job protection and community resilience.
SmBIZ Third-Round Grant Awards
Ashe County
Town of Lansing – $979,759 for infrastructure rehabilitation in the Lansing Business District.
Town of West Jefferson – $780,456 for sewer line rehabilitation in the downtown area.
Town of West Jefferson – $177,037 to repair infrastructure damage impacting local businesses.
Town of West Jefferson – $370,407 for supplemental infrastructure improvements.
Caldwell County
City of Lenoir – $500,000 for infrastructure upgrades in the Steele Cotton Mill area.
Jackson County
Town of Dillsboro – $478,875 for Front Street infrastructure restoration and stormwater management improvements.
Town of Sylva – $952,760 for downtown stormwater and utility infrastructure enhancements.
Mitchell County
Town of Bakersville – $1,000,000 for service reliability improvements downtown.
Town of Bakersville – $1,000,000 for critical infrastructure repair and replacement due to flooding.
Town of Bakersville – $160,000 for steel-reinforced concrete retaining wall repairs.
Town of Bakersville – $80,000 for targeted infrastructure upgrades.
Town of Spruce Pine – $1,000,000 to bury infrastructure for improved reliability.
Town of Spruce Pine – $1,000,000 to bury infrastructure to strengthen system durability.
The SmBIZ program continues to support recovery efforts by reinforcing public systems that underpin small business activity in western North Carolina. Eligible counties can still submit applications while funding is available. More information on the program and eligibility can be found at commerce.nc.gov/SmBIZ.
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