Grant Eligibility

• Has a primary location within Asheville city limits. Check your address here.
• Was operating before September 27, 2024
• Experienced financial losses due to Hurricane Helene
• Has not had all losses covered by insurance or other funding
• Has owners who are legal U.S. residents
• Earned at least $20,000 in revenue in one of the last three years (2023, 2024, or 2025)
• Is currently open or has a plan to reopen
• Is in good standing (no active bankruptcies, tax liens, or federal funding bans)
• You can still apply if you received insurance or other disaster funding.

Receiving insurance or other disaster relief does not necessarily make you ineligible.

• Nonprofits
• Cannabis-related operations
• Passive real estate or investment holdings
• Political or lobbying organizations
• Adult entertainment businesses
• Corporate-owned national franchises or chains
• Residential short-term rentals

Stabilize

• Cover operating costs like payroll, rent, and utilities
• Help your business stay open or reopen

Recover

• Rehire staff
• Replace lost supplies or inventory
• Support a return to normal operations

Grow

• Add jobs
• Launch new products or services
• Expand or adapt your business

Funds may be used for expenses such as:

• Payroll
• Rent and utilities
• Inventory, supplies, and equipment
• Marketing
• Other eligible business expenses

How funding works:

This is a reimbursement grant.

• You must pay for expenses first
• Then submit receipts or proof of payment
• Funds are paid after your documentation is reviewed and approved

Only expenses from February 2026 or later are eligible.