Rural Rebuilding Together Grant Fund

Eligible businesses include:

• Businesses who suffered direct physical damage from Hurricane Helene, and which are located within the downtown central business districts of Bakersville, Canton, Lake Lure, Old Fort, and Spruce Pine.
• For-profit entities such as sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships, and for-profit corporations (including C Corps and S Corps).
• For businesses in the lodging category, eligibility is limited to those offering traditional overnight guest lodging housed on commercial property. Residential short term and long-term rentals are not eligible.
• Additionally, owners of commercial properties leased to independent businesses that were impacted by Hurricane Helene are eligible to apply.

Click the links below for maps of each town’s central business district: 

• Bakersville
• Canton
• Lake Lure
• Old Fort
• Spruce Pine

The following businesses are NOT eligible for funding:

• Businesses that did not incur direct physical damage from Hurricane Helene
• Businesses that are not in the eligible districts
• Businesses whose losses are fully covered by other non-loan sources such as insurance, crowdfunding, or prior grants
• Non-profit organizations
• Residential rental businesses, including AirBnbs, other short-term rentals, and long-term housing rentals

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Sunday, April 20th

Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• Economic impact – Extent of financial losses due to Hurricane Helene-related closures and increased operating costs
• Physical impact – Cost of necessary building repairs, inventory replacement, and replacement of equipment or furnishings
• Business longevity – Length of time the business has been in operation
• Reopening/continuity plan and budget – Strength and feasibility of the business’s recovery plan
• Local ownership – Preference for businesses owned by local residents
• Pre-storm financial health – Financial stability of the business before the storm
• Employees supported – Number of full-time equivalent (FTE) employees maintained by the business

Grant funds may be used for any reasonable and necessary expenses that support business recovery and reopening, provided these costs are not covered by insurance or other relief aid. Business owners must be able to provide proof of payment for all expenses.

Grant funds may NOT be used for the following:

• Non-business expenses, including personal expenses for owners or employees
• Payment of personal debts or taxes
• Payments on vehicles not utilized regularly for business purposes
• Personal enrichment
• Financial securities or cryptocurrencies
• Expenses related to relocating the business outside of the city or county
• Lobbying or political contributions
• Donations to nonprofit organizations
• Anything illegal according to the laws of North Carolina, the United States of America, or the jurisdiction(s) in which the business is located and operates

Yes. If your business has received non-loan financial assistance from insurance or other sources, you must disclose the amount and intended use of those funds to ensure there is no overlap with the planned uses of this grant. Grant recipients must also agree to repay any funds if duplicate assistance is identified.

We are making every effort to get these funds out to small businesses as quickly as possible. Businesses awarded a grant will be notified no later than May 9. 

No, there is no minimum or maximum annual revenue requirement to apply for this grant. 

Unfortunately, no. You must submit a separate application to the grant program to be considered. 

Visit wncstrongtogether.org to view the latest grant opportunities available in the region.

Before applying, please gather and prepare the following required documents in PDF or JPEG format:

• Proof of business address (such as a bank statement, utility bill, or lease agreement)
• A scan or clear photo of your North Carolina driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID
• Your most recently filed business Federal Tax Return

  – If you are a sole proprietor or file your business taxes on your personal return, submit your most recently filed individual Federal Tax Return

  – If you have not yet filed your 2024 tax return, you will need to submit your 2023 return plus a 2024 Profit & Loss Statement

  – If you started your business in 2024 and have not yet filed a return, you may still apply by providing a 2024 Profit & Loss Statement and your 3 most recent monthly bank statements for your primary business account