Please see below for a comprehensive list of available resources for business assistance. This list will be updated continuously as things change.
11/13/24 –
The North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild is offering Hardship Grants to brewers impacted by Hurricane Helene, among various resources and places to donate. Click here for details.
11/4/24 –
Love Hendo Business Recovery Fund: In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation to Western North Carolina and Henderson County, local organizations have come together to launch the LoveHendo Business Recovery Fund. This initiative is designed to provide financial relief to businesses across Henderson County that were affected both physically and economically as a result of the storm. Through the LoveHendo Business Recovery Fund, we are creating a direct way for funds to be collected and distributed to businesses in order to aid in the greater economic recovery
in Henderson County.
The Fund will establish clear guidelines and open applications for aid. While the details will become available soon, we hope you will consider donating to support our economic recovery
in Henderson County. Funds will be distributed based on an application scoring system based on need and impact. Approved applications may receive full or partial funding. Please note that this is for immediate assistance rather than full loss recuperation.
The first round of applications are open until Friday, November 8th. Small businesses can click to APPLY. First round of awards will be announced on/before November 22nd. Applications periods beyond November 22nd will be rolling based on available funds.
Other entities can DONATE to the fund. Donations will go directly towards to the Love Hendo Business Recovery Fund and aid in supporting small businesses impacted by the storm. Donations will be accepted until otherwise stated in hopes to continue rolling applications.
For more information visit: https://lovehendo.my.canva.site/.
A collaborative of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC), the N.C. Community College’s Small Business Center Network, the N.C. Rural Center, the GoldenLEAF Foundation, N.C. Emergency Management, and the U.S. Small Business and Economic Development Administrations have published the Business Recovery Portal. This portal offers extensive resources and guidance on how your business can access recovery support. Check it out HERE.
Mental Health and Trauma Response: Our first priority in Henderson County is to take care of our people. We know the last month has been taxing on so many. If you or someone you know is struggling or in a crisis, help is available. You can call or text 9-8-8 or chat at www.988lifeline.org to reach a trained counselor who can provide mental health resources. More resources can be found here and here.
10/17/24 –
Donate to the Community Foundation of Henderson County Mud & Flood fund, as well as their other hurricane relief funds, HERE. Application for these funds has not begun, more information to come.
If your business is seeking security services at this time, Dominon XP is a comprehensive security solutions group and strategic partner in protecting you, your property, your organization and staff. Unique to the security industry, Dominion’s top leadership are hands-on, involved with our guards and our customers to ensure that we exceed expectation and provide the best service in the industry. Dominion XP offers uniformed, armed and unarmed security professionals as well as a Special Operations Division operating an Emergency Response Team that has been heavily utilized during Hurricane Helene when unforeseen needs arise.
10/14/24 –
HENDERSON COUNTY TO OPEN DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER (DRC)
Henderson County has secured a location for a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
The DRC will be located at 2111 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville NC 28791.
The DRC will open Wednesday from 1:00pm to 7:00pm and then daily beginning Thursday from 8:00am to 7:00pm. The DRC will provide federal, state and local resources for County residents as they apply for FEMA assistance from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
10/9/24 –
City of Hendersonville Water: Water system restored and operating normally – https://www.hendersonvillenc.gov/water-sewer/customer-center/water-alerts
City of Hendersonville Wastewater: System restored. Pre treatment coordinator will be in touch soon with industrial users.
https://www.hendersonvillenc.gov/water-sewer/customer-center/water-alerts
NC DOT Announcement: Do NOT drive around barricades from NCDOT sections. Several bridges in Henderson County are not safe to drive on at this time.
Global Empowerment Mission WNC Small Business & Artisan Fund: GEM has started a fundraising mission to support local businesses in recovery from Helene. For more information, click here.
10/08/2024-
SBA webinar on Hurricane Helene recovery help
NC Chamber will host a free U.S. Small Business Administration webinar 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, that will inform participants on SBA resources available for recovery involving Hurricane Helene. To register for the webinar, click on this link.
SBA experts will provide an update on available resources and how business owners can access them. Any business of any size within the declared areas, private nonprofit organization, or resident affected by Helene can apply online or at the opened Business Recovery Centers (BRC’s) managed by SBA or Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC’s) managed by FEMA.
NC Chamber recommends that individuals and businesses start this process immediately. It’s not required to wait for insurance coverage determinations or claims denials to apply for SBA programs. The application filing deadline for physical damage is Wednesday, Nov. 27 and economic injury is Monday, June 30. This webinar will have time for questions at the end of the session.
WNC STRONG: Helene Business Recovery Fund
Through support from the Golden LEAF Foundation, Mountain BizWorks is launching the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund. This rapid recovery loan program will provide loans to eligible businesses for up to $100,000, with very low interest (1%), and payments (interest only) for the first year, helping to close the gap between when the disaster strikes and when federal loans, insurance payouts, and other disaster relief funds are approved.
To be eligible to apply for these funds, your business must:
- be a for-profit established business
- have at least 6 months of operating history
- be based in a SBA-declared NC Helene disaster area
- have fewer than 100 employees
- have been impacted by Tropical Storm Helene
Additional resources for nonprofits, businesses, and homeowners can be found on Mountain BizWorks’ website. Finally, we’ve established an opportunity to donate to support business recovery. Please share these opportunities within your local networks and let us know if you have any questions.
North Carolina Disaster Unemployment Assistance
- North Carolina Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are now available in 25 counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
- North Carolinians have 60 days from October 1 to file an application, the deadline to apply is December 2
- How to File a Disaster-Related Claim brochure provides step-by-step instructions to file a claim online (recommended)
- Can also call the Disaster Unemployment Assistance hotline (919)-629-3857 for help
MORE RESOURCES:
- How to create a customized list of relief you qualify for
- SBA Disaster Loan (Same application as the EIDL Loan)
If you are able, you can speak directly to a representative of the SBA locally at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce at 36 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC 28801. Click here for complete times and availability.
Contact SBA: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides disaster recovery loans to businesses affected by disasters. These loans can help cover the costs of repairs, rebuilding, and operational recovery. Reach out to the SBA for guidance on the loan application process and gather the necessary documentation to apply for financial assistance. Often, FEMA and SBA will work with local agencies to provide support the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) and Business Recovery Centers(BRCs)
1-800-659-2956
Once the damage is documented, notify your insurance provider immediately to begin the claims process. Provide them with the documentation of the damage and work closely to understand the timeline and requirements for receiving compensation. Be proactive in following up and ensuring all paperwork is correctly filed to expedite the claim.
- IRS Tax Relief Efforts
- Small Businesses and Local Chambers
- 7 Things you need to know about applying for disaster assistance
Contact FEMA: If the disaster qualifies for federal assistance, contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA offers resources, grants, and low-interest loans to help businesses recover from federally declared disasters. Register as soon as possible to receive assistance and stay informed about any additional support FEMA may offer during recovery. 1-800-621-FEMA
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
- Getting financial assistance after a disaster
- North Carolina unemployment benefits
- Post Helene Support for Small Businesses 10/1/24
- Helene Disaster Response Email from Congressman Chuck Edwards
- National and State Tax Relief
On October 1, 2024, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced tax relief for certain taxpayers affected by Hurricane Helene. The federal tax relief gives affected taxpayers until May 1, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.
Crews are fully engaged in storm restoration. Restoring power with this unprecedented amount of damage is requiring unprecedented amounts of equipment and people.
At 2 PM Sunday there are approximately 26,364 customers without service in Henderson County. There will be a number of customers who will have service restored by this evening, while others will have their power back on in the coming days. Restoring power to all customers will take longer as some areas have seen widespread, catastrophic damage.
Department of Transportation Live Road Outage Map
The Economic Development Partnership of NC will have updates here: https://edpnc.com/resources/publications/disaster-recovery-resources/
The Henderson County TDA will also keep local resources up to date: https://visithendersonvillenc.org/
Donation and Volunteer Information: You can find the most up to date information on donations in Henderson County here: https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/em/page/community-involvement.
More community resources and updated curfew can be found here: Henderson County, City of Hendersonville, Mills River, Town of Fletcher