Western NC communities now eligible for business district rebuilding grants

April 8, 2026 - 02:40

Local governments and nonprofit organizations across seven Western North Carolina counties are now eligible to apply for a significant portion of $40 million in state grants aimed at revitalizing business districts damaged by Hurricane Helene. The funding is designated for Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yadkin counties.

The program seeks to support the restoration of commercial corridors that are vital to the region's economic health and community identity. Eligible uses for the grant money include, but are not limited to, repairing damaged buildings, upgrading public infrastructure adjacent to businesses, and other projects focused on economic recovery and resilience. The initiative recognizes that rebuilding these hubs is crucial for restoring jobs, services, and a sense of normalcy for residents.

Officials emphasize that the grants are a targeted effort to ensure mountain communities can recover not just residentially, but also commercially. The storm's impact on small businesses and downtown areas had a ripple effect on the entire regional economy. Applications are now being accepted, with the goal of distributing funds to projects that will have a lasting, positive impact on the hardest-hit commercial areas. This investment represents a critical step in the long-term recovery process for Western North Carolina.