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Asheville City Council Approves Major Funding for Small Business Support

Introduction

Asheville, N.C. (WLOS) — The Asheville City Council has made a significant commitment to bolster the local economy by approving a substantial allocation of $15.5 million for its Small Business Support Program (SBSP). This financial support is sourced from the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, emphasizing the city’s dedication to helping its small businesses recover and thrive in the long term.

Importance of Funding

Elma King, the CDBG-DR Program Manager, emphasized the importance of this funding in a news release dated Tuesday, January 17, 2026. She stated, “This funding is a critical step in helping Asheville’s small business sector recover for the long term.” The release highlights the city’s gratitude for the opportunity to dispense these essential resources to established community partners. These partners are known for their deep connections to local businesses and their expertise in regulatory compliance, enabling them to deliver support quickly and effectively. By uniting these efforts, the investment aims not only to rejuvenate Asheville’s economy but also to enhance its resilience and diversity in the face of challenges.

Funding Distribution

Following a competitive application process, four organizations have been selected to receive this funding. Each of these organizations will be tasked with establishing grant programs targeted specifically at assisting small businesses adversely affected by the disaster caused by Hurricane Helene. Asheville leaders have assured that city staff will collaborate closely with each organization to fulfill foundational compliance requirements, finalize funding agreements, and confirm program design to ensure transparency and efficiency in delivering the much-needed support.

Once the agreements are formalized, city officials have announced that the selected organizations will begin outreach efforts and the application process for eligible small businesses. This proactive approach is crucial in ensuring that the resources reach those who need them most in a timely manner.

Background on Hurricane Helene

The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene in September 2024 left a lasting impact on western North Carolina. The region faced considerable damage to lives and infrastructure, with visible scars still apparent across the mountains. Asheville businesses suffered immensely due to floodwaters, landslides, and prolonged outages of potable water. Subsequently, the area experienced several months of declining tourism—a key economic driver—further exacerbating the challenges faced by local businesses.

In response to this crisis, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved a considerable sum of $225 million in CDBG-DR funds for Asheville in May 2025. This approval followed a revision of the city’s draft action plan, which had initially been rejected due to concerns regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) elements outlined in the plan. One point of contention arose from the Small Business Support Program’s prioritization of assistance for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses (MWBEs), leading to contentious discussions within the Asheville City Council during its April 2025 meeting.

Aiding Compliance with AI legalese decoder

Given the intricate compliance requirements tied to these funding agreements, navigating the legal landscape can be quite overwhelming for local organizations and small businesses. This is where tools like AI legalese decoder can prove invaluable. By simplifying complex legal jargon and making regulatory guidelines more accessible, AI legalese decoder can assist businesses in understanding their obligations and ensuring they meet compliance standards. Its technology offers streamlined clarity and can help organizations communicate more effectively, enabling them to focus on delivering the support that local businesses urgently need.

Conclusion

In summary, Asheville’s commitment to injecting $15.5 million into the Small Business Support Program is a significant milestone in the journey toward economic recovery and resilience for the local business community. With structured funding distribution and support from community organizations, there is a concerted effort to rebuild and strengthen Asheville’s economy. As businesses prepare to apply for grants, utilizing tools like AI legalese decoder may facilitate smoother navigation of compliance requirements, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of the support programs in place. Together, these efforts will pave the way for a more robust and sustainable economic environment for Asheville’s small businesses in the years to come.

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