With two weeks remaining before the application deadline, small businesses have until noon July 14, 2026 to apply for awards of $5,000 to $75,000 available to aid in recovery efforts. The $14.6 million Asheville Recovers Together Small Business Grants Program represents one of the most concentrated business recovery opportunities to date, with more than triple the funding of prior programs.
Nearly 200 applications have been submitted so far, but some businesses are still wondering if they are eligible to apply. “In my conversations with business owners, I’ve heard apprehension that Asheville Recovers Together is not for them,” said Christine Laucher, Strategic Partnership Manager at Mountain BizWorks. “While the program does have some federal complexity, more businesses will be eligible for Asheville Recovers Together than many prior grant programs. I’d encourage every eligible business in the city limits to submit an application.”
Grant administrators and partners continue to receive questions every day from business owners. Common themes come from those that didn’t have direct storm damage and are unsure how to make the case for their Helene impact. Duane Adams, a Technical Assistance provider at AB Tech Small Business Center worked with one such applicant who wasn’t sure if she’d qualify. “She didn’t know how her documentation could support the impact that Helene had on her business and thought maybe she shouldn’t bother,” Adams explains. “After we sat down, reviewed her information, and answered her questions, she was able to determine pretty quickly that she should apply after all.”
Others question if their business is either too small or too large to submit a compelling application, or they wonder about owning multiple businesses or having multiple owners. “Many of these worries can be easily answered with a quick check of our Frequently Asked Questions or by attending an info session,” Laucher said. “Help is available to make sure you hit ‘submit’ on your application.”
Applicants can explore the full Application Guide and Frequently Asked Questions, book one-on-one appointments, and find upcoming events and info sessions at ashevillerecoverstogether.org. Applications are due at noon on July 14, 2026.
