This page serves as a central hub for business resources in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. We will continue to update this list as new information becomes available. For additional updates and announcements regarding hurricane relief efforts, please follow us on Facebook.
Business Community Survey: Hurricane Helene Impact
We are currently gathering data from our business community to assess the impact of Hurricane Helene on local operations. Your participation in this survey is important, as the information collected will help us better understand the challenges you are facing and will guide our efforts to support recovery initiatives with local, state, and federal officials.
Please take a moment to complete the survey linked below.
GRANTS AND RESOURCES
ShopWNC website: Free resource to post business information on NC Secretary website
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolina small businesses need us.
ShopWNC is a site created by the impacted WNC counties and is dedicated to helping to support our local communities and small businesses that have recently endured significant losses due to Hurricane Helene. The purpose of this site is to promote those communities and towns that are open to visitors or have online stores where you can show your support by purchasing from these businesses.
T-Mobile Grant for Small Towns
Main Street America and Smart Growth America have partnered with T‑Mobile to help build stronger, more prosperous small towns and rural communities. With T‑Mobile’s Hometown Grant program, they’re investing big in small towns by awarding up to 100 towns a year with project funding — up to $50,000 each.
https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants
The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund will help provide for immediate unmet needs through reimbursements to nonprofits working with disaster survivors. For immediate, unmet needs, the United Way of North Carolina will provide grants to nonprofits or reimburse nonprofits working in impacted communities. If sufficient donations are collected to support long-term recovery work, the North Carolina Community Foundation’s affiliate foundations and statewide grants committee will work to ensure that all donations are distributed to nonprofits that can best serve unmet needs in affected communities.
Certain nonprofit organizations assisting individuals and communities recovering from Hurricane Helene are eligible for funding. Eligible groups include any 501(c)(3) agency with a valid charitable solicitation license that is assisting Hurricane Helene-impacted communities with immediate needs.
https://www.unitedwaync.org/nc-disaster-relief-fund-helene
Dogwood Health Trust has invested a $10 million lead grant to create the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative (WNCSBI), led by Appalachian Community Capital (ACC). The grant program offers immediate relief grants up to $25,000 to very small businesses in Dogwood’s 18 counties that experienced physical damage from the storm and have less than $1 million in annual revenue.
https://www.wncstrongtogether.org/grants#grants
Emergency and Disaster Response Fund
Community Foundation of WNC
For Non Profits
EDRF is funding organizations providing emergency relief to those affected by Hurricane Helene.
As the needs are evolving, CFWNC is expanding the EDRF grant program. Nonprofits can apply for either:
- Grants up to $25,000 to be awarded to eligible organizations for frontline human services.
OR
- Grants up to $50,000 to (1) eligible organizations that sustained direct facility damage or (2) eligible organizations whose work addresses the effects of Hurricane Helene focused on repair and remediation.
For more information: https://cfwnc.org/grants/emergency-and-disaster-response-fund
Mitchell County Development Foundation
The Mitchell County Development Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit entity and gifts to our efforts are tax-deductible.
Our post-hurricane rebuilding effort bring together a vibrant cross-section of our community focused on supporting all of Mitchell County. This includes community leaders, education leaders, and business leaders.
https://www.mitchellcountydevelopmentfoundation.org
N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Hotline to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available on the hotline 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Farmers can also find recovery resources here.
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 businesses uninsured or underinsured losses and 2) economic injury disaster loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations. More information at: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. Please note: SBA is accepting and reviewing disaster loan applications; however, new loan offers will be delayed due to a lapse in Congressional funding. Submitting your application is still encouraged.
ReadyNC.gov
Resources for before, during and after a storm, including updated weather and road conditions.
NC 211
NC 211 is an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina. Families and individuals can call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 to receive free and confidential information on health and human services within their community.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Answers questions about the status and operations of financial institutions. Offers advice on cybersecurity, avoiding scams, and how to financially recover from disasters.
- Natural Disaster Impact on Bank Customers and Operations
- Natural Disaster Impact: Advice for Consumers and Business Owners
- Money Smart for Adults
Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
State and federal resources for small businesses, including grants and loans, links to power and internet companies, how to make donations and other business-related information.
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program
Helps people in a federally identified disaster area who do not have health insurance to access prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment. Find out which pharmacy near you is open online with this map.
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.
Additional Business Support Resources
Steps To Business Recovery – NC SBTDC
https://www.ncsbc.net/DocumentMaster.aspx?doc=7547
https://www.commerce.nc.gov/grants-incentives/disaster-recovery
https://www.mountainbizworks.org/helene
NC Department of Commerce Disaster Recovery Newsletter
FEMA Helpline: CALL 1-800-621-3362