The initiative is partnering with local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide relief grants up to $50,000 (up to $25,000 for businesses with revenue $1,000,000 or less) to small businesses across the region that sustained physical damage from Hurricane Helene.

Application window for WNCSBI II is open from Jan. 31 – Feb. 21, 2025

The application window for WNCSBI I closed on November 27, 2024. If you or your business received a grant from WNCSBI I, you are not eligible for WNCSBI II.

Grants up to $50,000 (up to $25,000 for businesses with revenue $1,000,000 or less) are available to eligible small businesses located in Western North Carolina.

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 February 21, 2025. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered. Applicants that advance to the second round of evaluation will be contacted to provide additional information about their business. Subject to availability of funding, an additional round of funding may be opened.