Two new grant programs will soon begin accepting applications to help small businesses recover in the wake of Helene.

Asheville Recovers Together Small Business Grant Program

The City of Asheville has partnered with ArtsAVL, Eagle Street Markets, and Mountain BizWorks to distribute more than $14 million in CDBG-DR funding through the program. Explore eligibility requirements, attend info sessions, and get one-on-one support from local partners. Note: Sole proprietors, freelancers, artists, makers, and home-based businesses are all eligible.

Grant amounts: $5,000 to $75,000

Application dates: Monday, June 15 through Tuesday, July 14

Optimist Ventures' Disaster Recovery Accelerator

An additional $855,000 in CDBG-DR funds will be available to small businesses through a new recovery program from Optimist Ventures, the venture-philanthropy fund and startup accelerator powered by the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville Buncombe County and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. Beyond funding, the program offers a 12-week mentorship program designed to stabilize businesses for the long-term.

Grant amounts: Up to $25,000 with access to $25,000 in eligible SPA Note

Application dates: Monday, June 15 through Friday, July 17