This November, Mountain BizWorks distributed $1.29 million in WNC Strong: Recover Forward Grants in support of small business recovery across Western North Carolina. These local business grants will support 73 local businesses and more than 500 jobs in communities hardest hit by Hurricane Helene. This work has been made possible through generous funding from the North Carolina Community Foundation, WNC Long Haul Fund, Global Giving, Appalachian Community Capital, and Appalachia Funders Network.
This represents a two-year commitment to help small businesses recover and new businesses take root in the region. In addition to the Rural Recover Forward Grant Program, Mountain BizWorks will use the funding to ensure that businesses across WNC have access to ongoing resources: free coaching, and deeply discounted courses.
“These Recover Forward Grant awards highlight just how vital our small businesses are to our communities,” said Matt Raker, Executive Director of Mountain BizWorks. “Strong anchor businesses keep our small towns thriving. Let’s lift them up by shopping local this season and throughout the year.”
This grant round focused on communities with major storm impacts, including Chimney Rock, Hot Springs, Marshall, Spruce Pine, and Swannanoa. In each town, local leaders and knowledgeable stakeholders nominated cornerstone businesses that needed extra support to rebuild and recover.
Mountain BizWorks also partnered with the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce to provide additional funds to distribute through their Hope for the High Country grant program. These funds supported businesses in Watauga, Ashe, and Avery Counties.
“These grants will have a transformative impact on Hot Springs. For our businesses, they mean the ability to rebuild stronger and create jobs that keep our local economy thriving. For the community, they represent hope and progress—helping restore essential services, attract visitors, and preserve the character that makes Hot Springs special,” said Abigail Norton, Mayor of Hot Springs. “Ultimately, these grants aren’t just financial support; they are proof that we are not alone and not forgotten.”
Businesses in each region have their challenges: some are close to reopening after months of repairs, while others are carrying debt from rebuilding during periods of low revenue. Grant recipient Jessie Callaway, owner of the Village Scoop ice cream shop in Chimney Rock, shared, “This grant will support us through the off-season and fund inventory for the new year. We have only been back open for two months, so this additional funding during the slow season is vital.”
She continued, “It is the best feeling to watch people come back through our doors. I wasn’t sure I would be able to reopen my business after it was destroyed by Helene, so seeing each customer fills me with gratitude and reminds me why we worked so hard to come back.”
“Entrepreneurs that participated in Mountain BizWorks’ 2025 Local Business Impact Survey made it clear that grant funding is a powerful tool to help small businesses survive and move forward,” Raker said. “We know the needs in these mountain communities are ongoing, but it’s a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that so many are open and ready to meet this season.”
For more information about Recover Forward resources, please visit mountainbizworks.org/recoverforward.
All photography by Sarah Siak of Sarah Siak Photography.
