Resources to help reopen your business and make progress through long-term recovery.

Document damage by taking photos or videos. Review your policy, contact your insurance company to file a claim, and document cleanup or repairs with receipts and photos. Get two or more quotes for repairs, check contractor licenses, and document all expenses and losses that can be compared with pre-disaster numbers.

Recovery Resources

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest loans and other resources to assist small businesses post disaster.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides updates on current disaster events and assistance for employees who have damage at their homes.
When Disaster Hits Home: A Story of Resilience and Recovery – How a business responded both in their community and with their employees.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

In response to the recent federal disaster declaration, Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available for 25 counties in Western North Carolina, including Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, and Yancey. People in these counties have 60 days from October 1 to file an application for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. To apply, go to des.nc.gov, or call the DUA Hotline at 919-629-3857 to apply for benefits. The deadline to apply is December 2, 2024.

Federal Financial Assistance / Funding / Taxes

– The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest loans and other resources to assist small businesses post disaster.

– SBA online loan application – You are encouraged to apply BEFORE the deadline. There is no obligation to accept the funds, but keeps your options open if needed.

– SBA Customer Service Center – Call 1-800-827-5722

– DisasterAssistance.gov – This FEMA site provides disaster survivors with information and services during times of disaster. Programs to assist individuals and homeowners may be useful to your employees. You can register for assistance even if you are not sure you need or want it.

– Disaster Resource Guide for Individuals and Businesses – Guide to understanding IRS resources available after a disaster, such as claim unreimbursed casualty losses on damaged property; includes forms and numbers.

– Preparing for a Disaster (Taxpayers and Businesses) – Encourages planning, tips for safeguarding documents, and tracking valuable IRS resources such as completing the Loss Workbook after a disaster.

– Tax Relief for Disaster Situations (IRS) – After your area is declared a disaster, this page provides tax relief information from the IRS.

– Disaster Assistance for Business – Overview of all Federal Assistance and resources (ignore Nevada-specific info).

– Disaster Assistance – Resources available from SBA to businesses, individuals, and families.

– Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – FEMA’s main site has information on what to do before, during, and after disaster.

– IRS Videos on Disaster Subjects – Informative videos to help businesses that have been affected by disasters.

– US Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Provides disaster assistance information for farmers and ranchers

– Disaster Recovery Small Business Loan or Grant Program – How to create opportunities for loans or grants for area businesses.

Carolina Small Business Development Fund

CSBDF will provide small businesses with financial and technical assistance as they begin on their road to recovery from this devastating storm. They will also be ready to inform of stakeholders of the policy implications of supporting small businesses and organizations that help small businesses at times like these.

For more information, visit CarolinaSmallBusiness.org.

Mountain BizWorks

Mountain BizWorks wants to help the small business community find what you need to navigate your small business through this unprecedented time.

Beginning Wednesday, October 2, Mountain BizWorks Asheville office will be available for drop-in Wi-Fi use by clients and partners Monday – Thursday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Please note there is currently no water in the building and no restroom access for guests.

Updates and additional resources will be added to their website as information becomes available. Visit MountainBizWorks.org/Hurricane-Helene-Resources-Help-Center to learn more.

WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund

The WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund was created to provide rapid recovery loans to small businesses suffering economic losses related to the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. The fund is administered by Mountain BizWorks and made possible with support from The Golden LEAF Foundation, and an expanding list of other partners.

The fund helps small businesses close the gap between when the disaster strikes and when federal loans, insurance payouts, and other disaster relief funds are approved, or businesses have time to recover and get back to business. Learn more and apply at MountainBizWorks.org/Helene/Fund

Dogwood Health Trust

In this initial relief funding, Dogwood is prioritizing support for local organizations that will help local people and organizations now and in the days to come. Staff members are also actively working with local, regional, and national partners to attract additional capital to the region and joining partners to advocate for state and federal appropriations.

Dogwood’s initial support is organized in three areas: (1) supporting organizations that can quickly deploy resources and respond to urgent needs of people and geographic areas most affected; (2) supporting assessment, navigation and legal services associated with FEMA response; and (3) maintaining critical health services across the region.

Learn more at DHT.org.

For more resources and detailed information, please visit www.wncbusiness.com/2024/10/03/507902/small-business-recovery.