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).
- Eligible counties of the Mountain Area region include Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania
- Have been in operation for at least two (2) years
- Have current Unemployment Insurance (UI) taxes
- Are in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), with no current tax liens
- Have a W-9 form, if applicable
- Have demonstrated a need for layoff aversion support
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:
- Rental of equipment to clean; hiring people or companies to clean; professional cleaning/mold removal companies to clean.
- Rental of portable toilets and set up of handwashing stations in order for business to re-open.
- For restaurants: to-go boxes, cups, supplies (plastic silverware, salt/pepper packets, etc.), bags, etc. to try to maintain/reopen the business.
- Furniture; office equipment; light fixtures; shelving, etc. that had to be replaced and not covered by insurance. Single items cannot exceed $5,000; replacements should be of equal value (no improvements/ upgrades that contribute to the capital assets of a business)
- Outdoor cleanup/improvements such as gravel; landscaping materials, plants, etc. for products or services not covered by insurance. Single items cannot exceed $5,000; replacements should be of equal value (no improvements/upgrades that contribute to the capital assets of a business).
- Costs related to repairs of walls/floors such as sheetrock/paint/flooring/tools, etc. not covered by insurance. Single items cannot exceed $5,000; replacements should be of equal value (no improvements/ upgrades that contribute to the capital assets of a business).
- Consulting Services: If a company needs to engage an outside consultant to assess the viability of repairing, reopening, or permanently closing a business due to damage, loss of use, loss of personnel, etc. that would be an acceptable use of grant funds. For example: A manufacturer has lost machinery that is not covered by insurance, and they have damage to the its operational facility. The company may engage a consultant to advise on the status of the operation and if the business is viable to resuming operations.
- Training: If a company needs to educate an employee in a specialized training that will help the company recover and reopen for business, this is an acceptable use of grant funding. For example: A manufacturing facility has sustained repairable damage, but there is a need for hazardous material clean-up. The company may send the employee(s) for Haz-Mat training through IES or the local community college.
Funds may NOT be used for the following: products or services covered by insurance; 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; or improvements or upgrades that contribute to the capital assets of a business; or 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.
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.
