About Asheville Recovers Together

The Asheville Recovers Together Grant Fund is a $14 million recovery program funded by the City of Asheville.

Created to help Asheville businesses rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, this program provides critical financial support to eligible businesses that experienced physical or economic damage, with a special commitment to reaching sectors and business owners who may face greater barriers to accessing recovery resources.

Administered in partnership by ArtsAVL, Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation, and Mountain BizWorks, the Asheville Recovers Together Grant Fund is designed to move quickly, reduce the burden on applicants, and make a lasting impact on Asheville’s local economy and workforce.

We believe Asheville's recovery is strongest when every business has the support they need to rebuild stronger.

This program helps Asheville businesses recover from Tropical Storm Helene. It provides grants to eligible businesses that experienced physical damage or financial losses.

The grant program is funded through CDBG-DR (Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery). These are federal funds provided to communities after major disasters. They are designed to help businesses, homeowners, and communities recover and rebuild. CDBG-DR funding also requires that most funds support low-to-moderate income individuals and communities.

We are especially focused on reaching businesses and communities that may face barriers to accessing recovery resources.

This program is administered in partnership by:

  • ArtsAVL
  • Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation
  • Mountain BizWorks

Together, we aim to:

  • Provide support to business owners
  • Help Asheville’s economy recover and grow

We believe Asheville’s recovery is strongest when every business has the support they need to rebuild and move forward.

The City of Asheville CDBG-DR funding is also supporting the Optimist Ventures program which combines funding and education for local businesses. Visit the Optimist Ventures website to learn more.

City of Asheville logo card

About the City of Asheville:

The City of Asheville supports a strong and resilient community through public services, planning, and economic development.

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Asheville is known for its vibrant small business community and creative economy.

The City works with local partners to support recovery efforts and strengthen long-term economic opportunity.

Visit the City of Asheville website to learn more.

Additionally, to learn more about the City’s CDBG-DR programming, visit AshevilleRecovers.org.

Logo with overlapping yellow and blue triangles forming a green diamond and text 'ARTS AVL'.

About ArtsAVL:

ArtsAVL is the designated arts agency for Buncombe County.

Founded in 1953, ArtsAVL supports artists and arts organizations through advocacy, connection, and grantmaking.

Their mission is to keep the arts at the heart of the community.

Visit the ArtsAVL website to learn more.

Orange eagle head icon next to the text 'Eagle Market Streets'.

About Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation:

Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation (EMSDC) is a nonprofit focused on community-centered economic development.

Founded in 1994, EMSDC supports local businesses, housing, and community wealth-building—especially in historically underserved neighborhoods.

Visit the Eagle Market Streets website to learn more.

Mountain BizWorks logo with black text and a green gear icon on a white background with grey contour lines.

About Mountain BizWorks:

Mountain BizWorks supports small businesses across Western North Carolina.

They provide:

  • Business coaching
  • Financing
  • Training and learning opportunities

Their work helps entrepreneurs start, grow, and thrive.

Visit the Mountain BizWorks website to learn more.

The Asheville Recovers Together Grant Fund is funded by the City of Asheville and administered by ArtsAVL, Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation, and Mountain BizWorks, in collaboration with community partners across the city.
Outreach Support Partners:
Outreach Support Partners help spread the word about the grant program and connect local businesses with information, resources, and opportunities to apply.
Technical Assistance Providers:
Technical Assistance Providers provide free one-on-one support to help business owners understand the application and submit a strong, complete application.