BUSINESS, NONPROFIT AND EMPLOYEE RECOVERY
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
If you’re unemployed as a direct result of Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). DUA is administered through the North Carolina Division of Employment Security. Click below to visit the website for information and to file a disaster-related claim, or call 919-629-3857. Employers can find resources on this site, too.
Federal and State Tax Relief
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the North Carolina Department of Revenue have issued various tax-relieving measures for individuals and businesses who are victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. Visit the websites below for information.
SBA Disaster Loans
Businesses of all sizes, as well as private nonprofit organizations, can apply for a disaster recovery loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). As long as your business or nonprofit meets eligibility requirements, you can apply the loan to cover a number of losses not covered by insurance or funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for both personal and business expenses.
NCDOC recommends you receive free counseling before applying for federal aid. Call 1-800-228-8443 or visit commerce.nc.gov/grants-incentives/disaster
Business Loans
WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund
Mountain BizWorks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a vibrant entrepreneurial community in Western North Carolina, has launched WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund. Eligible business can obtain a rapid recovery loan for up to $100,000, with very low interest (1%), and payments (interest only) for the first year. This program helps close the gap between when the disaster strikes and when federal loans, insurance payouts, and other disaster relief funds are approved.
Resources for Restaurants
Buncombe County has created an expedited process for reopening food service establishments. Restaurant operators should immediately complete the Emergency Operations Plan Survey for Food Service Establishments. Once the form is submitted, food service operators will receive notification if a visit from Environmental Health is required before reopening. An inspector will reach out to you to schedule a visit.
Because Black Mountain is under a Boil Water Notice, water cannot be used for home or commercial food preparation. Violations can cause imminent health hazards and may lead to suspension or revocation of a permit. Please contact Environmental Health at 828-250-5016 for more information.
Grants
Additional Recovery Resources
NC Department of Public Safety hosts North Carolina’s central Helene Information Portal, which contains a breadth and depth of information for businesses and individuals.
The NC Department of Commerce (NCDOC) Business Recovery Portal and staff offer extensive guidance on how your business can access recovery support.
NCDOC also provides this list of resources for artists and arts organizations.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a variety of disaster assistance programs in support of farmers, ranchers, and agri-businesses.
Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is working in support of all employers—such as tourism, hospitality, agriculture, and the arts sectors—to identify and help leverage statewide resources for recovery.
NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center hosts a Helene Resources guide.
Visit our Recovery Resources page for information regarding Town building permit fee waivers, filing insurance claims (including agent services), SBA disaster assistance for individuals, and more.
Where to find Town calls for Bids, RFPs and RFQs
The process for funding non-emergency projects related to recovery efforts for the Town of Black Mountain has begun. If you offer goods or services that may qualify you to bid on these projects, you are encouraged to submit a bid, Request For Proposals (RFP), or Request For Qualifications (RFQ). All of this information is housed on the Town of Black Mountain website. You can also sign up to receive a text message or email when new bids are added.
HELP WANTED
FEMA has announced job openings for Community Liaison positions throughout North Carolina, including Buncombe County. The ideal candidate will have close ties, relationships, and familiarity to the county. Applicants are expected to live locally, and therefore, the positions are not remote eligible. For more information and to apply, CLICK BELOW to visit USAJOBS - Job Announcement.
