NC Launches $55M Grant for Helene Recovery

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has announced a $55 million Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program to assist small businesses in Western North Carolina affected by Tropical Storm Helene. The program is managed by the Department of Commerce's Rural Economic Development Division and provides local governments with grants of up to $1 million for public infrastructure projects, including water, sewer, gas, telecommunications, electrical utilities, and sidewalk repairs. Projects must benefit small businesses with 150 or fewer employees and address infrastructure issues stemming from Helene. Grants are funded through the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Recipients must use funds for public infrastructure only and complete projects within 36 months. The first grants are expected to be distributed by June 30, 2025.