Is Your Small Business in WNC Missing Out on $8.5 Million? Discover How to Claim Your Share!

RALEIGH, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - In a move aimed at bolstering small business recovery in western North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein announced nearly $8.5 million in new infrastructure grants on Friday. This funding, part of the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ), will support a total of 13 projects as part of the state’s ongoing response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

“Small businesses can’t operate without reliable infrastructure,” said Governor Stein. “These investments will help communities repair essential systems, reduce future risk, and ensure local entrepreneurs have the dependable services they need to serve customers and grow. I thank the General Assembly for its partnership in funding these investments.”

The allocated funds will focus on restoring and improving critical public infrastructure systems that are vital for small businesses, such as water and sewer lines, stormwater controls, utility relocation, and downtown streetscape repairs. By addressing these foundational elements, the state aims to create a more conducive environment for local entrepreneurs to thrive.

The following areas will receive awards as part of this funding:

Key Project Allocations

Ashe County

• Town of Lansing – $979,759 to restore and rehabilitate infrastructure supporting the Lansing Business District.
• Town of West Jefferson – $780,456 to rehabilitate sewer lines serving the downtown commercial area.
• Town of West Jefferson – $177,037 to repair infrastructure damage impacting local businesses.
• Town of West Jefferson – $370,407 to implement supplemental infrastructure improvements to strengthen downtown stability.

Caldwell County

• City of Lenoir – $500,000 to complete infrastructure upgrades in the Steele Cotton Mill area that support nearby commercial operations.

Jackson County

• Town of Dillsboro – $478,875 to restore historic Front Street infrastructure and improve stormwater management systems.
• Town of Sylva – $952,760 to repair and enhance downtown stormwater and utility infrastructure.

Mitchell County

• Town of Bakersville – $1,000,000 to implement infrastructure improvements that increase service reliability for downtown businesses.
• Town of Bakersville – $1,000,000 to repair and replace critical infrastructure damaged by flooding.
• Town of Bakersville – $160,000 to repair and construct steel-reinforced concrete retaining walls damaged by flooding.
• Town of Bakersville – $80,000 to install targeted infrastructure upgrades supporting public safety and business continuity.
• Town of Spruce Pine – $1,000,000 to bury approximately 1,300 feet of infrastructure to improve reliability and reduce disruption risks.
• Town of Spruce Pine – $1,000,000 to bury approximately 2,200 feet of infrastructure to strengthen long-term system durability.

This significant funding initiative not only aims to restore physical structures but also symbolizes a commitment to the resilience and sustainability of small businesses in the region. By investing in infrastructure, the state is directly addressing the challenges these local enterprises face in the aftermath of natural disasters.

As North Carolina continues to navigate the recovery landscape post-Hurricane Helene, these grants represent a crucial step in ensuring that small businesses are equipped with the essential services they need to thrive in an uncertain climate.