Resources & Support for Western NC
NC Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
Learn about the different types of SBA Disaster Loans for the following:
Relief Funds
The following community foundations have disaster relief funds that we recommend that are already activated, and the Triangle Community Foundation will be matching donations to them up to $25,000.
Mountain Bizworks Announces WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund
October 7, 2024 – Mountain BizWorks announces a rapid recovery loan program to assist Western North Carolina small businesses in recovering from the devastating impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. The WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund is being established with an initial $7.5 million in support from the Golden LEAF Foundation. Mountain BizWorks and program partners hope to secure additional funding capacity in the coming days and weeks.
Through the Fund, impacted small businesses will be able to apply for loans up to $100,000 to help meet immediate needs and bridge to longer term relief resources from SBA disaster loans, FEMA assistance, insurance, and other sources. The loans will have a one-percent (1%) interest rate and interest-only payments for twelve months. If not repaid in the first year, the loans will automatically convert to a term loan. For terms and application information, visit mountainbizworks.org/helene/fund. READ FULL PRESS RELEASE.
Western North Carolina receives more than $27M in FEMA funds
More than 104,000 North Carolinians have registered for assistance from FEMA as of Monday, according to Gov. Roy Cooper.
FEMA has paid more than $27 million to disaster survivors who have applied for individual assistance funds as of Saturday.
The federal government has provided temporary housing and hotel rooms for thousands of affected individuals.
Western North Carolina typically brings in around $7.7 billion in visitor dollars each year. Its peak tourist season is in the fall, with travelers eager to see changing colors in the mountains.
The destruction from Hurricane Helene is hampering the tourism industry and causing economic loss. READ FULL ARTICLE.
Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund
To help restaurants recover in times of critical need, DoorDash has partnered with Hello Alice to create the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. The fund supports restaurants impacted by natural disasters, severe weather events, or major infrastructure failures, and provides relief through $10,000 grants.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for Affected Workers
For individuals whose employment has been impacted by a disaster, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) offers vital support. Available for up to 26 weeks, this program extends benefits to self-employed individuals, farmers, and others who are not eligible for standard unemployment benefits. In North Carolina, the minimum weekly DUA benefit is $118, with a maximum of $350 per week. This financial relief helps workers bridge the gap until they can resume employment. Applications for DUA can be submitted at des.nc.gov.
What FEMA covers & How to apply
Examples: Funeral expenses, dental, medical expenses, displacement expenses, etc.
There are three ways to apply for FEMA assistance:
Online by visiting disasterassistance.gov.
Calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
Downloading and applying on the FEMA App.