North Carolina Strengthens Small Business Resilience with $8.5 Million Infrastructure Support
The state of North Carolina is taking significant strides to bolster small business recovery in the western region with a new announcement of nearly $8.5 million in infrastructure grants. Governor Josh Stein made the announcement, highlighting the efforts to aid 13 local projects through the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ), which is part of the ongoing response to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Governor Stein emphasized the importance of dependable infrastructure for the operation of small enterprises, stating, “Small businesses can’t operate without reliable infrastructure.” He further acknowledged the role of the General Assembly in facilitating these essential investments aimed at repairing critical systems and reducing future risks.
The allocated funds are directed towards the revitalization and enhancement of public infrastructure systems that are crucial for small business efficiency. This includes improvements to water and sewer lines, stormwater management, utility relocation, and the refurbishment of downtown streetscapes. The initiative seeks to stabilize commercial districts and secure long-term economic viability in the affected areas.
Since its inception in November 2025, the SmBIZ program has disbursed around $30 million to support recovery efforts in western North Carolina, primarily from the effects of Hurricane Helene. The program, backed by a $55 million appropriation from the North Carolina General Assembly, offers grants up to $1 million to local governments. These grants are aimed at addressing infrastructure damage that impacts economic corridors and small business districts.
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley stressed the necessity of urgency and collaboration in post-disaster recovery, saying, “Rebuilding after a disaster requires both urgency and partnership.” Through SmBIZ, the Department of Commerce is working closely with local leaders to restore vital economic systems.
To expedite project progress, the program has adjusted grant procedures to allow recipients access to upfront funding, circumventing delays associated with reimbursement processes and facilitating quicker visible progress.
Assistant Secretary Reginald Speight also highlighted the program’s collaborative nature, “These projects reflect careful coordination with local officials who identified their most pressing infrastructure needs.” This strategic public investment is designed to safeguard jobs, preserve downtown areas, and enhance community resilience.
SmBIZ Third-Round Grant Allocations
Ashe County
Town of Lansing – $979,759 for infrastructure restoration supporting the Lansing Business District.
Town of West Jefferson – $780,456 for sewer line rehabilitation in the downtown commercial area.
Town of West Jefferson – $177,037 for repairing infrastructure affecting local businesses.
Town of West Jefferson – $370,407 for supplemental infrastructure improvements to enhance downtown stability.
Caldwell County
City of Lenoir – $500,000 for infrastructure upgrades in the Steele Cotton Mill area to support commercial operations.
Jackson County
Town of Dillsboro – $478,875 for restoration of historic Front Street infrastructure and stormwater system improvements.
Town of Sylva – $952,760 for downtown stormwater and utility infrastructure enhancements.
Mitchell County
Town of Bakersville – $1,000,000 for infrastructure improvements to increase service reliability for downtown businesses.
Town of Bakersville – $1,000,000 for repairing and replacing critical infrastructure damaged by flooding.
Town of Bakersville – $160,000 for repairing and constructing steel-reinforced concrete retaining walls damaged by flooding.
Town of Bakersville – $80,000 for targeted infrastructure upgrades for public safety and business continuity.
Town of Spruce Pine – $1,000,000 for burying approximately 1,300 feet of infrastructure to improve reliability and reduce disruption risks.
Town of Spruce Pine – $1,000,000 for burying approximately 2,200 feet of infrastructure to ensure long-term system durability.
As funding remains available, local governments in eligible counties are encouraged to continue submitting applications. Detailed information about the program and project eligibility is accessible at commerce.nc.gov/SmBIZ.
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