Mountain BizWorks’ Rural Rebuilding Together Grant Fund has provided $2,391,295 in grant funding to 149 small businesses in 15 heavily hurricane-impacted rural downtowns.
Because a thriving downtown benefits the entire community, small businesses in Bakersville, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Canton, Chimney Rock, Hot Springs, Lake Lure, Lansing, Marshall, Newland, Old Fort, South Toe, Spruce Pine, Todd, and West Jefferson were eligible to apply for grant funds to assist in recovery efforts.
The awards will activate rural small towns, rebuild and restore unique local businesses, and allow them to retain and re-hire employees. “We are VERY grateful for the funding and resources you’ve provided,” says Jessie Callaway of Village Scoop in Chimney Rock. “We are in the process of repurchasing new fixtures and equipment for our current location and this grant will go a long way towards helping us reopen.”
The Rural Rebuilding Together Grant provided a meaningful opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones with small business owners and key leaders in local communities. “We are making connections throughout the mountains as we work together to rebuild,” said Peter O’Leary, Mayor of Chimney Rock. “Mountain BizWorks has been a great partner for Western NC and in particular Chimney Rock Village. Their involvement and support have been vital in getting our small businesses up and running again.”
The Rural Rebuilding Together Grant Fund was a success because of the dynamic partnerships around the region. Partners contributed in many ways, including getting the word out, supporting applicants, and contributing financially to the grant fund, allowing for a larger collective impact.
“It was a great feeling seeing the difference this made and how much it meant to them,” said Shannon Odom, Executive Director of the McDowell County Tourism Development Authority. “These small businesses are the heart of our tourism economy and what visitors come to experience.”
However, the needs of these communities—and others throughout the region—are ongoing. Applicants reported a total of $61.7 million in economic and physical damages. Because the needs are so great and resources are limited, this program only covered downtown business districts, a proven strategy in driving recovery with limited resources. Still, more funding is needed to cover additional businesses regionally.
“Mountain BizWorks is deeply grateful for all of the contributors that made these recovery grants possible,” said Matt Raker, Executive Director of Mountain BizWorks. “Small businesses are our livelihood here in the NC mountains and we need them to thrive for our region to thrive. This program also highlighted the power of collaboration and we were pleased to work alongside so many local leaders and organizations. We will recover together.”
Major funding for the Rural Rebuilding Together Grant Fund was provided by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy through the Truist Foundation Western North Carolina Recovery and Resiliency Fund. Additional funding came from the Mountain BizWorks WNC Strong Fund, which represents hundreds of generous donations from individuals and organizations across the region and beyond. Those interested in contributing to ongoing recovery efforts should visit wncstrongtogether.org/donate to be part of the impact.
For additional Helene recovery resources, including loan information and grant opportunities, visit wncstrongtogether.org. For learning and lending opportunities, visit mountainbizworks.org.
Thanks to Sarah Siak Photography for the photos as indicated above.
