by Itinease McMiller
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — More than $14 million in grant funding will soon be available to small businesses across Asheville as part of a new effort to support their recovery from Helene and strengthen the local economy.
City leaders and local partners have launched the Asheville Recovers Together Small Business Grant Program, which aims to help businesses rebuild, recover, and bring jobs back to the community. Grants will range from $5,000 to $75,000 for eligible applicants.
Three local organizations, Arts AVL, Eagle Market Streets, and Mountain BizWorks, will work together to distribute the funding. Leaders said the program is designed to help close recovery gaps that many businesses are still facing months after the storm.
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One organizer said data show that Helene’s impact is equivalent to roughly five to six years of average small-business profits, leaving many owners still struggling to stabilize operations. Matt Raker, executive director of Mountain BizWorks, said many businesses have reopened but are still facing major financial strain.
New grant program targets lingering Helene recovery gaps for Asheville businesses
“They’re really working to get back from that hole,” Raker said. “A lot of businesses are open but carrying that burden and cost, so we’re hoping this relief will help them be stronger and get more stable.”
Rebecca Lynch, development and grants director with Arts AVL, said the program also helps fill gaps for creative businesses often left out of traditional recovery funding. Arts businesses and independent makers based in Asheville are encouraged to apply.
“Arts Asheville joined this because creative arts are an important part of Asheville’s small business ecosystem, and yet they have faced barriers accessing traditional support programs and funding opportunities,” Lynch said.
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Eligible applicants must be located in the city, demonstrate they were physically or economically impacted by Helene, and have not fully recovered. Over the past three years, the business must have earned $20,000. Businesses that previously received federal assistance may still qualify if they continue to face lingering recovery challenges.
Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer said the program was shaped directly by business owners’ feedback.
“We heard from small businesses about their unmet recovery needs and put those words into action,” Manheimer said. “We know that this funding has been a long time coming, and many of you have been carrying an enormous amount of uncertainty while trying to keep your doors open, support employees and continue serving this community.”
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Applications open June 15 at noon and close July 14 at noon.
Officials said the early announcement is intended to give businesses time to prepare documentation before the window opens.
The funding comes from federal Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery dollars through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
For many business owners still working to repair damage, rebuild revenue, and stabilize operations, leaders said the program could mark a major turning point in Asheville’s long-term recovery.