Mountain BizWorks is pleased to announce two new awards that will support additional grants for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Truist Foundation Western NC Recovery and Resiliency Fund grant from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) and an award from the Soulshine Concert Fund will allow Mountain BizWorks to distribute an additional $1 million in grant funds directly to small businesses across the region.
CDP mobilizes philanthropy to strengthen the ability of communities to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. “Small business owners are at the heart of Western North Carolina’s long-term recovery,” said Christine Laporte, Program Manager for the Truist Foundation Western NC Recovery and Resiliency Fund at CDP. “Access to grants and technical assistance is essential to their success, as well as the resilience of the communities they serve. CDP is honored to collaborate with Truist Foundation to support Mountain BizWorks in ensuring these vital resources reach those who need them most across the region.”
The full award from CDP through the Truist Foundation Western NC Recovery and Resiliency Fund totals $1 million, with $750,000 to be distributed as small business relief grant awards locally. These funds will be distributed through the existing Rural Rebuilding Together Grant Fund. The additional resources will allow Mountain BizWorks to continue providing technical assistance for businesses as well as hire a Recovery and Resiliency Specialist to help long-term recovery efforts.
The Soulshine Concert Fund, established to benefit relief and recovery efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, was a benefit concert featuring Dave Matthews Band, Warren Haynes, and other musicians at Madison Square Garden. The event raised over $4.5 million, $250,000 of which enabled Mountain BizWorks to distribute additional awards through the Asheville Buncombe Rebuilding Together Grant Fund.
To date, Mountain BizWorks—with support from partners—has distributed $5.4 million in regional recovery grants across the region. These grants have supported 513 Helene-impacted small businesses so far, with more awards to be announced soon. “We’re grateful for this additional funding at a critical time in our region’s recovery,” said Matt Raker, Executive Director of Mountain BizWorks. “Our small businesses are the creative, vibrant heart of our region, and this vital support will help local entrepreneurs work their way back to thriving.”
The $1 million in grant awards will serve as a matching fund for additional gifts this May. Those interested in contributing should visit wncstrongtogether.org/donate to be part of the impact. These critical resources are here to help businesses rebuild stronger, adapt with confidence, and keep moving forward.
