The NC Department of Commerce is providing funds that local workforce development boards may use to help businesses minimize the damage of layoffs caused by Hurricane Helene. See press release here: NC Commerce Secretary Lilley Announces Grants to Workforce Boards to Support Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Applications are currently being accepted!
Please complete the Online Application for the Hurricane Helene Business Edge Fund. Be sure to answer all questions completely.
Download the MAWDB Application Guide (PDF).
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- Been in business at least two years;
- Have 3 – 250 W-2 employees;
- Is in good standing with Internal Revenue Service and has no tax liens;
- Is current on Unemployment Insurance taxes;
- The business location is in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison or Transylvania Counties;
- Has demonstrated a need on or after Hurricane Helene, September 27, 2024, or after for layoff aversion support;
- Have a business W-9 form;
- Funding Cap Eligible businesses and/or CBOs may receive $10,000 per eligible business/CBO in Hurricane Helene Business Edge Fund Grant funds. The MAWDB will assist businesses/CBOs on a first-come, first-serve basis rolling application basis.
Allowable Uses
Funds must be used to mitigate layoffs, prevent closures, and reimburse costs that prevent a layoff or closure. Additionally, funds may be used to support employees returning to work after a layoff or closure. Requests must be reasonable, necessary, and directly related to the purpose of the Hurricane Helene Business Edge fund.
Examples include the following:
- Costs associated with feasibility studies, business coaching, conducting analyses and risk assessments, business consulting in numerous disciplines including identifying opportunities for potential economic transition for growth or pivoting;
- Installation of internet and communications equipment essential for business accessibility and functioning;
- Purchasing remote access tools, supplies, or software that allows employees to work from home while damage is repaired or new building arrangements are made (e.g. computers, printers, telephones, headsets, video conferencing software, etc.). Note: single items over $5,000 are considered capital expenditures and are not allowed;
- Paying for services or tools for restaurants or retail establishments to convert to online sales or delivery of orders while damage is being repaired, or new establishments are progressing;
- Purchasing cleaning/sanitation supplies and/or services that will allow a business to maintain an on-site workforce by reducing exposure to mold, mildew, or other hazards associated with Hurricane Helene Disaster damage/flooding;
- Other creative approaches and strategies to reduce or eliminate the need for layoffs. Approaches and strategies need to be defined in the Grant Application.
Funds may NOT be used for the following: products or services covered by insurance; costs that have been reimbursed by insurance or other grants; hazard pay; rent; employee wages/benefits; supportive services such as childcare, transportation costs, lodging expenses, or meals; equipment that contributes to the capital assets (single items over $5,000) of a business; improvements or upgrades that contribute to the capital assets of a business; capitalization of Businesses (for example, purchasing supplies or materials that will go into the final product sold or provided by the business).
Application Submission
Applications should be submitted through the Online Application. At a minimum, a completed application includes the following:
- The amount of funds requested and a brief itemized description of all costs;
- The number of employees affected and jobs saved through funding;
- The average salary of the affected employees;
- A brief profile of the business including name, address, and contact information; and
- A brief narrative describing the layoff aversion plan and need for funds or a description of the services needed to develop a viable plan.
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Application Approval/Denial
Within ten business days of receiving an application, the MAWDB will inform applicants, via email, that the application has been received, and if applicable, will request any additional documentation that is needed. Once all required documentation is submitted, the application will be processed. The month of July 2025 will be used to review and evaluate applications that have been submitted.
Grant Agreement
Upon execution of the grant agreement, small businesses and/or CBOs shall submit an itemized invoice with all copies of receipts to the MAWDB, which will make direct reimbursement to the awardees. All associated costs must comply with the cost principles contained in 2 CFR 200,Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Applicants are responsible for providing accurate and truthful information and documentation.
As the Hurricane Helene Business Edge Fund is federally funded, the US Department of Labor may conduct fiscal and/or programmatic monitoring of this initiative. Additionally, entities receiving an award may be subject to local, state, and federal monitoring and auditing.
Contact
For additional information, please contact Mark Sternal at 828-378-7946 or via email at mark@landofsky.org.
