Mountain Bizworks, a regional nonprofit that provides loans and training to small businesses, is working to help local businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Executive Director Matt Raker, based in Asheville, points folks to the nonprofit’s website for information about how to apply for state and federal support.
“Firstly we want to make sure that their people, their friends and family are accounted for,” Raker said. “We know that is everyone’s priority,” he added, along with getting essential services back.
“Once they are able to do that, (then) really take stock of what was impacted at their business, get a sense of what that is,” he said.
The nonprofit serves North Carolina’s 26 westernmost counties. Raker says the businesses they work with were hit hard and are still trying to understand the impact. He recommends they start with organizing the documents they will need to apply for relief.
The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration which opens up SBA disaster loans, Raker says.
Homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply for assistance.
Here are more details on the program, as well as FAQs in English and Spanish.
Mountain Bizworks ofrece servicios especializados en Español.
Employees and self-employed individuals who are unable to work due to the disaster may be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance even if they are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance. Apply here.
Mountain Bizworks is also working on setting up a local emergency fund. Raker says the fund should be available early next week.