Dogwood + Mountain Bizworks Grants & Loans

Cash Grants

Businesses impacted by Helene need cash to replace lost revenue in October, typically one of the highest revenue months for many WNC businesses. We are grateful that the Dogwood Health Trust has made a remarkable commitment to help, with a $10 million grant to establish the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative, led by Appalachian Community Capital (ACC). This program will provide immediate grants of up to $25,000 to small businesses with less than $1 million in revenue that experienced physical damage from the storm, with grants to begin being awarded within the next two weeks!

Bridge Loans

Buttressing the outright grants, the North Carolina General Assembly recently pledged $50 million to the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, which, together with Golden LEAF Foundation’s initial $7.5 million, will bring critical relief to Helene-affected businesses in the form of low-interest loans.

Our partner, Mountain BizWorks, is playing a key role in administering rapid recovery loans, offering up to $100,000 to bridge financial gaps while businesses await federal assistance. 

As of October 28th, Mountain BizWorks has already received over 750 applications, approving 222 loans totaling $11.8 million to support small businesses impacted by the storm. Obviously, the additional funding from the State of North Carolina will accelerate recovery, with Mountain BizWorks able to provide more loans featuring low interest rates, no closing costs, and a streamlined application process.

Together, Dogwood Health Trust, the North Carolina General Assembly, and Mountain BizWorks are delivering the resources essential for resilient recovery—empowering small businesses, strengthening community bonds, and laying the foundation for sustainable growth in Western North Carolina.