North Carolina Allocates $8.5 Million for Infrastructure to Bolster Small Business Recovery
In a strategic move to enhance the resilience of small businesses against future calamities, North Carolina has unveiled a new wave of infrastructure grants totaling nearly $8.5 million. Governor Josh Stein announced these funds, which are earmarked for 13 projects in western North Carolina, as part of the state’s ongoing recovery initiatives after Hurricane Helene.
“Small businesses can’t operate without reliable infrastructure,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These investments will help communities repair essential systems, reduce future risk, and ensure local entrepreneurs have the dependable services they need to serve customers and grow. I thank the General Assembly for its partnership in funding these investments.”
The newly allocated funds are intended to revamp critical public infrastructure, such as water and sewer lines, stormwater management, utility relocation, and downtown area enhancements. These improvements aim to stabilize key commercial zones and maintain economic dynamism in affected areas.
Since its inception in November 2025, the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ) has disbursed close to $30 million to aid small business recovery from Hurricane Helene. The program, established with a $55 million provision from the North Carolina General Assembly, offers grants of up to $1 million to local governments for infrastructure restoration in small business districts.
“Rebuilding after a disaster requires both urgency and partnership,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Through this program, we’re working hand in hand with local leaders to restore the systems that keep their economies functioning day in and day out.”
To expedite project implementation, the Department of Commerce has modified grant procedures to provide upfront funding, mitigating delays typically associated with reimbursement processes and accelerating recovery progress in affected communities.
“These projects reflect careful coordination with local officials who identified their most pressing infrastructure needs,” said Reginald Speight, Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Development at the North Carolina Department of Commerce. “Strategic public investment at this stage of recovery helps protect jobs, preserve downtown districts, and position communities for long-term resilience.”
SmBIZ Third-Round Grant Awards
Ashe County
Town of Lansing – $979,759 to restore and rehabilitate infrastructure supporting the Lansing Business District.
Town of West Jefferson – $780,456 to rehabilitate sewer lines serving the downtown commercial area.
Town of West Jefferson – $177,037 to repair infrastructure damage impacting local businesses.
Town of West Jefferson – $370,407 to implement supplemental infrastructure improvements to strengthen downtown stability.
Caldwell County
City of Lenoir – $500,000 to complete infrastructure upgrades in the Steele Cotton Mill area that support nearby commercial operations.
Jackson County
Town of Dillsboro – $478,875 to restore historic Front Street infrastructure and improve stormwater management systems.
Town of Sylva – $952,760 to repair and enhance downtown stormwater and utility infrastructure.
Mitchell County
Town of Bakersville – $1,000,000 to implement infrastructure improvements that increase service reliability for downtown businesses.
Town of Bakersville – $1,000,000 to repair and replace critical infrastructure damaged by flooding.
Town of Bakersville – $160,000 to repair and construct steel-reinforced concrete retaining walls damaged by flooding.
Town of Bakersville – $80,000 to install targeted infrastructure upgrades supporting public safety and business continuity.
Town of Spruce Pine – $1,000,000 to bury approximately 1,300 feet of infrastructure to improve reliability and reduce disruption risks.
Town of Spruce Pine – $1,000,000 to bury approximately 2,200 feet of infrastructure to strengthen long-term system durability.
As the SmBIZ program continues to fuel recovery efforts, local governments in eligible counties are encouraged to apply for remaining funds. Further details on project eligibility and application procedures can be found at commerce.nc.gov/SmBIZ.
