OVERVIEW – What is the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative II?
The Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative II is a program offering grants to eligible North Carolina businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.

OVERVIEW – What is the grant size?
Up to $50,000 (up to $25,000 for businesses with revenue of $1,000,000 or less).

ELIGIBILITY – I applied for WNCSBI I, but the grant size for WNCSBI II is larger. Can I reapply?
The grant size is the same. Businesses with revenue up to $1,000,000 are eligible to receive up to $25,000. Businesses with revenue up to $2,500,000 are eligible to receive up to $50,000.

ELIGIBILITY – I applied for WNCSBI I, am I eligible to apply for WNCSBI II?

• If you or your business already received or are in process to receive a WNCSBI I grant, you are NOT eligible.
• If you have not yet heard back from WNCSBI I, your application will automatically be transferred to WNCSBI II.
• If your application was rejected or withdrawn from WNCSBI I, we encourage you to apply to WNCSBI II if you are eligible (please check eligibility).

ELIGIBILITY – Is my business eligible? What are the qualifications for the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative II?
To be eligible for a Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative II grant, you must operate a small business that:

• Is a for-profit business actively registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State (or a sole proprietorship with an active DBA filing or a Certificate of Registration from the North Carolina Department of Revenue)

• Is physically located in one of the following Western North Carolina counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, Yancey; or is located in the Qualla Boundary

• Business was formed and in operation on or before 9/27/23
• Had $2,500,000 or less in 2023 annual gross revenue
• Has sustained physical or economic damage (not covered by insurance or other funding sources) from Hurricane Helene
• Is currently operating or plans to reopen

Business that is NOT eligible:

• Is a non-profit organization
• Is not physically located within the eligible WNC region
• Is a franchise which is not locally owned & operated
• Is a residential property rental business including AirBnbs, VRBOs, or other Short Term Rentals (STRs) based at residential addresses (this does not apply to traditional Bed & Breakfasts and other lodging businesses at commercial addresses)
• Is a country club or other membership-based club
• Is a business with any active bankruptcies or tax liens
• Already received or is in process to receive a WNCSBI I grant

ELIGIBILITY – Where will grant funds be available?
Eligible small businesses must operate in one or more of the following counties:

• Alexander (NEW for WNCSBI II)
• Alleghany (NEW for WNCSBI II)
• Ashe (NEW for WNCSBI II)
• Avery
• Buncombe
• Burke
• Caldwell (NEW for WNCSBI II)
• Catawba (NEW for WNCSBI II)
• Cherokee
• Clay
• Cleveland (NEW for WNCSBI II)
• Gaston (NEW for WNCSBI II)
• Graham
• Haywood
• Henderson
• Jackson
• Lincoln (NEW for WNCSBI II)
• Macon
• Madison
• McDowell
• Mitchell
• Polk
• Qualla Boundary
• Rutherford
• Surry (NEW for WNCSBI II)
• Swain
• Transylvania
• Watauga (NEW for WNCSBI II)
• Wilkes (NEW for WNCSBI II)
• Yadkin (NEW for WNCSBI II)
• Yancey

PROCESS – How long will applications be accepted?
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on February 21, 2025. Subject to availability of funding, an additional round of funding may be opened.

PROCESS – How will applications be selected?
Applications will be selected based on eligibility, geographic distribution, and severity of impact.

PROCESS – How long does it take to get grant funds?
Applicants that advance to the second round of evaluation will be contacted to provide additional information about their business over the next 2 months. Once all required documentation has been received, the qualification review and funding process is expected to take about 2 weeks. The exact timeline will vary based on each individual situation. 

PROCESS – What documents are required as part of the grant application process?

• Federal Tax Return (2023) or Personal returns that include a schedule C for the business
• Government Issued ID (Colored Copy)
• Voided Business Check

PROCESS – Will automated emails be generated when the initial successful application is submitted?

• Yes, an email will come from: No-Reply@crfcommunitysolutions.com

PROCESS – I filed for a 2023 tax extension, so have not yet filed my tax return though otherwise meet the criteria of the WNCSBI

• If you filed for a 2023 extension, you will be asked to provide your 2023 extension document and a 2022 tax return. Additionally, you will be required to certify that you meet the other grant eligibility criteria, including registration with the NC Secretary of State (either as an LLC or through a DBA if you are a sole proprietor)

APPLICATION – Should I include seasonal and/or regular part-time employees in the ‘FTE’ count?

• Yes, include all 1099, H2A and other employees, calculated on an annual full-time equivalent basis. For example, a seasonal employee working full time for six months would be considered 0.5 FTE

It has come to our attention that fraudulent grant sites and phishing scams are emerging, and which applicants are unfortunately encountering. Dogwood Health Trust has provided anchor funding to Appalachian Community Capital (ACC) in partnership with Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF) for launch of the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative, but is not running its own program or application portal. The ONLY official small business recovery grant portal of the ACC WNC Small Business Initiative is https://appalachiancommunitycapitalcdfi.org/wnscb-grant/. Any emails purporting to offer grant opportunities, especially those that are coming to your inbox unsolicited, should be treated with a high degree of care. Please report suspected fraudulent activity to https://ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint/

For questions, please contact wncgrantadmin@crfusa.com