We have big news to share as the year comes to an end. Between loans already funded and the final few that have been approved for funding in the coming days, The WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund is now fully deployed. The program is also now closed to new applications.
Launched just 10 days after the storm hit, the critical Fund was created to provide rapid recovery loans to small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. With support from the State of North Carolina, Golden LEAF Foundation, Appalachian Regional Commission, Abundance Capital, and so many wonderful partners across the region, this program has made an enormous impact.
We want to again extend a special thanks to Governor Josh Stein and the North Carolina General Assembly who in October 2025 approved more flexible loan repayment terms which will significantly aid the program borrowers in their ongoing Helene recovery journey.
While this Fund is closed, Mountain BizWorks still has a range of flexible lending resources to help WNC small businesses Recover Forward. Plus, we’re committed to small businesses success with supportive courses and coaching. When small businesses succeed, we all prosper.
