Today, Governor Josh Stein announced the allocation of $7.3 million in grants to aid small business recovery projects in western North Carolina. These funds are part of the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Hurricane Helene recovery program aimed at helping local governments rebuild damaged infrastructure.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, especially in western North Carolina, and this first round of infrastructure grants marks another important milestone on the road to recovery,” said Governor Stein. “I thank the legislature for funding these infrastructure investments.”
The initiative, initially introduced by Governor Stein in April, involves a total of $55 million from the Commerce Department’s Rural Economic Development Division. This funding serves as a crucial resource for local governments working on small business recovery. Grants can reach up to $1 million per project and cover rebuilding efforts such as water, sewer, gas lines, telecommunications, sidewalks, and curbs.
The program is funded by state resources allocated by the North Carolina General Assembly through the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part 1. Funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis with applications still open.
“I’m grateful the North Carolina General Assembly quickly provided funds for this vital new infrastructure recovery program earlier in the year,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Commerce will continue to work on all fronts, from small business recovery to the rebuilding of damaged homes, as we revitalize the western part of our state.”
The initial round includes several awards:
– City of Morganton: $1 million for rehabilitating an 800-foot section of River Village Boardwalk.
– Town of Gamewell: $87,187 for replacing a failing sewer pump generator.
– Town of Clyde: $737,477 for repairing and enhancing downtown sidewalk and curb infrastructure.
– Chimney Rock Village: $5.5 million supporting six separate projects.
Further details about each project can be found on the Commerce website along with application information at commerce.nc.gov/SmBIZ.
