Asheville Business -- June 12, 2026: Asheville Recovers Together: Vital Grants Available for Small Business Recovery
Asheville businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene have an opportunity to secure vital recovery grants, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $75,000. These funds are designed to help local entrepreneurs rebuild, cover operational expenses, and recover from storm damage and revenue losses.
The initiative is part of a $14.6 million investment known as the Asheville Recovers Together Small Business Grant Program. Funded by federal Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) dollars from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the program is administered locally through a partnership between Mountain BizWorks, ArtsAVL, and Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation.
Grant Details and Award Determination
Award Range: Eligible for-profit businesses can receive between $5,000 and $75,000.
Eligible Uses: The program is designed to reimburse expenses accrued beginning February 1, 2026, and onward. Approved uses include payroll support, rent or lease obligations, utility bills, inventory replacement, equipment repair, and working capital.
Core Criteria: Decisions on award amounts are based on documented, unmet financial losses related to the storm. To qualify, a business must have a primary physical address located within Asheville city limits, have been operating prior to September 27, 2024, and demonstrate a minimum of $20,000 in gross earnings in 2023, 2024, or 2025.
Creative Sector Inclusion: Creative businesses, independent makers, solo performers, and art professionals are explicitly included and encouraged to apply, recognizing the immense financial toll the storm took on Asheville's cultural sector.
Navigating the Application Process
Applications formally open on Monday, June 15, 2026, and will close at noon on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
To prepare, business owners should gather required documentation, which includes a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of an Asheville business physical address, and federal tax returns for 2023 and 2024 (as well as a 2025 return or year-end profit and loss statement). Applicants must also provide basic monthly financial records comparing a heavily impacted month after the storm to a similar month prior to the disaster to demonstrate financial impact.
Reviewers will evaluate applications based on rubrics that weigh unmet storm-related needs, job retention, local impact, and business stability. All complete applications received before the July 14 deadline will receive equal consideration, meaning awards are not distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Free technical assistance is available to help local owners navigate the process.
For comprehensive guidelines, eligibility details, and access to the application portal, visit Asheville Recovers Together.