The grants, awarded through the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ), will fund 19 local recovery projects focused on repairing and rebuilding critical public infrastructure.
The SmBIZ program, part of a $55 million initiative established by Governor Stein and the General Assembly, provides up to $1 million per project to local governments to restore damaged infrastructure essential to small business operations, such as water, sewer, sidewalks, and stormwater systems.
“This new round of local government recovery grants is a much-needed shot in the arm to the main streets that businesses depend on,” said Governor Stein.
The 19 funded projects include 16 standard recovery projects ($11.26 million) and three emergency infrastructure repairs ($2.55 million) already awarded to address immediate needs in Bryson City and Maggie Valley. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley noted these investments are helping communities rebuild "stronger, safer, and more resilient local economies."
🏗️ Second Round SmBIZ Grant Awards by Locality
The following projects have been awarded grants in this second round of funding:
City of Asheville (3 Projects): Totaling $2,492,801 to restore historic brick sidewalks, replace historic curbing for improved stormwater management, and reconstruct 36 ADA-accessible ramps in Biltmore Village.
Town of Black Mountain (1 Project): $1 million for replacing stormwater pipe along Sutton Avenue to reduce flood risk.
Town of Bryson City (1 Emergency Project): $1 million to install a new water main under the Tuckasegee River to restore a reliable water supply (Awarded September 16, 2025).
Buncombe County (1 Project): $979,069 to repair and reconstruct 1.2 miles of sidewalks in Swannanoa, enhancing pedestrian access to local businesses.
City of Hendersonville (2 Projects): Totaling $1,796,000 for installing a new waterline and fire hydrants at Cane Creek Industrial Park and restoring downtown sidewalk and stormwater drainage along 7th Avenue East.
Town of Hot Springs (3 Projects): Totaling $1,255,599 to replace deteriorated sidewalks and make stormwater improvements along South Main Street, reconstruct Bridge Street sidewalks (part of the Appalachian Trail corridor), and make sidewalk and ADA upgrades along North and South Andrews Avenue.
Town of Maggie Valley (2 Emergency Projects): Totaling $1,554,620 to replace the municipal sewer pipe and bridge structure spanning Jonathan Creek and to protect critical sewer infrastructure at Jonathan Creek (Awarded October 23, 2025).
Town of Marshall (5 Projects): Totaling $2,738,591 to replace and reconstruct sidewalks, add new ADA ramps, and improve drainage along North, South, and Bridge Streets.
Town of Spruce Pine (1 Project): $1 million to construct new stormwater infrastructure along Sycamore Alley to protect eight local businesses.
With nearly $32 million in program funding remaining, local governments in eligible counties can still apply for additional projects on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply at commerce.nc.gov/SmBIZ.
WNCTimes