WNC-- Governor Josh Stein, the State of North Carolina has hit a major milestone in the recovery of our mountain communities. On March 20, 2026, Governor Stein announced nearly $8.5 million in new grants to rebuild the public systems that local entrepreneurs depend on. This latest round brings the total awarded to nearly $30 million of the original $55 million fund, according to organizers, ensuring that these programs bridge the gap between immediate disaster response and long-term economic stability.
Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program
The state is offering a $55 million infrastructure program to help small businesses in western North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene. The Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ) provides grants to local governments, up to $1 million, to rebuild public infrastructure that small businesses rely on.
These grants are designed for infrastructure projects that address the impacts of Hurricane Helene and remove barriers to small business access and operations. Eligible infrastructure includes water, sewer, gas, telecommunications, high-speed broadband, electrical utility, sidewalk and curb infrastructure, and other repairs.
To access these funds, local governments must apply through an application portal. The grants target small businesses with 150 or fewer employees, and funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Alternative Programs
The Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative II offers direct relief grants up to $50,000 (or up to $25,000 for businesses with revenue of $1,000,000 or less) to small businesses that sustained physical damage from Hurricane Helene. Eligible uses include repair, environmental cleanup, rent or mortgage payments, and employee retention.
Small businesses in the Asheville area are encouraged to contact their local governments to explore potential applications for the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program. Businesses directly impacted by Hurricane Helene should investigate the WNC Small Business Initiative II for direct relief.
These programs represent a significant opportunity for Western North Carolina small businesses to strengthen their infrastructure and recover from hurricane-related damages, ultimately contributing to a more resilient local economy.
SmBIZ Third-Round Grant Awards
Ashe County
Town of Lansing – $979,759 to restore and rehabilitate infrastructure supporting the Lansing Business District.
Town of West Jefferson – $780,456 to rehabilitate sewer lines serving the downtown commercial area.
Town of West Jefferson – $177,037 to repair infrastructure damage impacting local businesses.
Town of West Jefferson – $370,407 to implement supplemental infrastructure improvements to strengthen downtown stability.
Caldwell County
City of Lenoir – $500,000 to complete infrastructure upgrades in the Steele Cotton Mill area that support nearby commercial operations.
Jackson County
Town of Dillsboro – $478,875 to restore historic Front Street infrastructure and improve stormwater management systems.
Town of Sylva – $952,760 to repair and enhance downtown stormwater and utility infrastructure.
Mitchell County
Town of Bakersville – $1,000,000 to implement infrastructure improvements that increase service reliability for downtown businesses.
Town of Bakersville – $1,000,000 to repair and replace critical infrastructure damaged by flooding.
Town of Bakersville – $160,000 to repair and construct steel-reinforced concrete retaining walls damaged by flooding.
Town of Bakersville – $80,000 to install targeted infrastructure upgrades supporting public safety and business continuity.
Town of Spruce Pine – $1,000,000 to bury approximately 1,300 feet of infrastructure to improve reliability and reduce disruption risks.
Town of Spruce Pine – $1,000,000 to bury approximately 2,200 feet of infrastructure to strengthen long-term system durability.
With this round of funding, the SmBIZ program continues to advance recovery efforts by reinforcing the public systems that underpin small business activity throughout western North Carolina.
Local governments in eligible counties may continue submitting applications while funding remains available. Additional information about the program and project eligibility can be found at commerce.nc.gov/SmBIZ.