Topics Related to Business or Nonprofit Organizations

Eligible applicants for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) Disaster Recovery Grant program can apply for technical assistance from NCGrowth at the Kenan Institute for Private Enterprise, which will provide Return on Investment (ROI) and Impact Analysis Assessments for a limited number of eligible applicants free of charge. These analyses are designed to strengthen applications from western North Carolina for the competitive nationwide EDA process.

Projects will be selected for this assistance at three intervals:

Relief is available for child care centers, family child care homes, before- and after- school programs (0-5 or 0-12), Head Starts, and NC Pre-K programs recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. The center or program can apply now for grant funding to help reopen the center or to help keep it open. Grant funding of $10 million was appropriated to help child care centers in impacted areas across western North Carolina. Learn more about the funds available and how to apply.

Small- and medium-sized businesses located in economically distressed communities can access a wide array of technical assistance from NCGrowth, including financial analysis, manufacturing process improvement, natural resource management planning. Workshops, virtual training sessions, and other types of content are available to support entrepreneurs. 

Hurricane Helene-impacted communities can request to receive on-site economic recovery assistance through one- to two-day Resource Team visits that are tailored to meet communities’ unique needs. The Rural Economic Development Division of the NC Department of Commerce will provide ongoing assistance and direct support to help communities implement strategies identified during visits.

The Down to Earth Lead program is a pilot program that Appalachian Community Capital (ACC) is deploying in Appalachia. The program offers community partners a free, easily accessible form that will connect small business owners and entrepreneurs to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Community Partners onboarded to the platform.

Find recovery resources for businesses and chambers offered by the NC Chamber.

Access Hurricane Helene recovery resources offered for the nonprofit community through the NC Center for Nonprofits.

Attend weekly trainings offered for first responders, health care workers, volunteers, and others who are looking for tools to support their friends, neighbors, and loved ones during this difficult time. This resource is offered by Resources for Resilience in partnership with Vaya Health.

Mountain BizWorks, with support from the Golden LEAF Foundation, is providing rapid relief loans to western North Carolina small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Golden LEAF is making resources available to organizations to support immediate relief for individuals and families, including repairing homes, addressing unmet needs, and helping with the transition out of FEMA-supported housing programs.