Asheville Launches Aid Initiative for Small Businesses Reeling from Hurricane Helene
In a significant move to support local enterprises, the City of Asheville has introduced a grant program designed to assist small businesses that suffered setbacks due to Hurricane Helene. This initiative offers financial relief ranging from $5,000 to $75,000.
The Asheville Recovers Together program will be open for applications from June 15 through July 14, aiming to provide much-needed support to those still recovering from the storm’s impact.
During a press conference to announce the program, Mayor Esther Manheimer highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by local business owners since the hurricane struck 20 months ago. She emphasized the city’s commitment to addressing the community’s recovery needs, stating, “We heard from small businesses about their unmet recovery needs and put those words into action.”
This $14.6 million effort is backed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, providing critical resources to aid business recovery.
A survey conducted by Mountain BizWorks last year revealed that businesses in western North Carolina faced average losses of $322,000 due to the hurricane. These losses stemmed not only from direct storm damage but also from a prolonged water crisis in Asheville, which further dampened tourism and economic activity.
The grant distribution will be managed by three local organizations: ArtsAVL, Buncombe County’s arts agency; Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation, which supports disenfranchised communities; and Mountain BizWorks, a nonprofit aiding small businesses in the region.
Rebecca Lynch, development and grants director at ArtsAVL, explained the importance of their involvement, noting that artists often face challenges in accessing traditional business aid. “We also know that creatives and artists often do not think of themselves as small business owners,” Lynch remarked, underscoring the program’s inclusivity.
Eligible businesses must be located within Asheville city limits and should have been operational before September 27, 2024, with a demonstrable loss of income due to Hurricane Helene. For a comprehensive list of eligibility criteria, interested parties can click here.
Additionally, the city will host multiple information sessions, both in-person and online, to guide applicants through the process. More details on applying can be found at AshevilleRecoversTogether.org.
