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Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses in Western North Carolina

Local governments in western North Carolina now have a significant opportunity to apply for funding through a newly established $55 million state infrastructure program. This initiative aims to assist small businesses in recovering from the adverse impacts of Hurricane Helene, which caused extensive damage in the region.

Overview of the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program

The North Carolina Department of Commerce, specifically through its Rural Economic Development Division, is responsible for administering the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program. Under this program, local governments can obtain grants of up to $1 million. The objective is to support infrastructure projects that directly benefit small businesses employing 150 or fewer individuals. Addressing these businesses’ needs is crucial for the overall economic revival of the area.

The Importance of Small Businesses for Local Economies

According to Governor Josh Stein, the economy of western North Carolina heavily relies on its vibrant downtowns and small businesses. "Helping them recover is critically important," Stein emphasized in a statement. He further added, "This new grant program will reinvigorate the infrastructure that small businesses depend on, and I appreciate the General Assembly for appropriating these funds." His remarks underscore the necessity of fostering a supportive environment for small businesses, which serve as the backbone of local economies.

Details About the SmBIZ Program

The Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program, also known as SmBIZ, benefits from state funds appropriated by the North Carolina General Assembly in the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part 1. It is crucial to note that the SmBIZ program is distinct from a separate, federally funded initiative: the Community Development Block Grant — Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, which has recently received approval from The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Grant Utilization and Eligibility Criteria

Any grants awarded through this program must be utilized by local governments specifically to address qualifying infrastructure needs that arose due to Hurricane Helene. The Department of Commerce will collaborate with local governments and affected small businesses to identify which needs are eligible for assistance. Some examples of eligible projects include vital repairs or improvements to water, sewer, gas, telecommunications, high-speed broadband, and electrical utilities. Additionally, infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks and curbs that enhance accessibility to impacted small businesses are also eligible.

The Need for Collective Recovery Efforts

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley highlighted the importance of collaboration in disaster recovery. "Successful recovery from disasters of Helene’s magnitude requires everyone to pull together and marshal support from many different sources, both state and federal," he stated. Lilley expressed gratitude toward the North Carolina General Assembly for promptly providing funds for this essential infrastructure recovery program.

How AI legalese decoder Can Assist

Navigating the complexities of grant applications and legal documentation can often be daunting for small businesses and local governments. This is where the AI legalese decoder comes into play. By simplifying legal jargon and making the terms of the grant program more comprehensible, the AI legalese decoder can empower applicants to better understand their eligibility and the application process. This tool not only aids in interpreting complex legal documents but also ensures that local governments and small business owners can access the support they need without being hindered by legal barriers.

Additional Resources

An application portal, along with further information about the SmBIZ fund, can be found here. This resource will equip local governments and small businesses with the necessary tools to successfully navigate the application process and ultimately contribute to the economic recovery of western North Carolina.

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