This program will award 50 grants of $1000 to be used toward technical assistance for craft-based businesses across Western North Carolina that were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Awardees will also receive 10 free hours of business coaching through Mountain BizWorks.

Application Deadline: Sunday, November 15th

Eligible businesses are:

• Craft-based: We define craft as makers working in wood, glass, metal, ceramics, fiber, books, paper, print and mixed materials, as well as fine artists such as painters, sculptors, and photographers. The definition of craft also encompasses more contemporary concepts, including musical instruments, beauty products, and design. Small-scale manufacturers working in the craft spirit and retailers supporting craft makers are also welcome.
• For-profit
• Located in one of the 18 westernmost counties of North Carolina: Avery, Burke, McDowell, Rutherford, Polk, Yancey, Mitchell, Madison, Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood, Transylvania, Jackson, Swain, Macon, Cherokee, Graham, Clay, and the Qualla Boundary.
• Impacted by Hurricane Helene (must have been in operation prior to September 27, 2024)
• Not a previous recipient of a Crafting Resilience cohort or TA grant award from Craft Your Commerce

Eligible uses for grant funds:

Grants must be used for business technical assistance, which means hiring professional help with any aspect of running your business. Examples include:

• Bookkeeping
• Marketing help
• Legal services
• Professional photography

This is not an exhaustive list - any business service by a professional provider qualifies. If you have questions about whether a certain expense qualifies for the grant, please reach out to Leah@mountainbizworks.org. Awardees will be required to use the funds on expenses as described in their application, unless a change is requested and approved in writing. Awardees will submit final reports on the use of grant funds, along with documentation (receipts/invoices).

How the grant works:

These grants are not reimbursement-based. Awardees will receive the funds up front, then report back on how they spent them. Final reports will be collected via a simple online form that should not take much time to complete.

Grant application scoring will prioritize:

• Highly Helene-impacted businesses
• Location in highly-impacted rural counties
• Applications that clearly describe how the funds will help the business recover or become more resilient