Today in Lansing, Governor Stein announced $5 million in new infrastructure grants to support small business recovery in western North Carolina through the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program. Two years since Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, Governor Stein continues to advocate for a $10 billion appropriation from Congress to support the next phase of recovery, including $5 billion to rebuild infrastructure, $3 billion to build more housing, and $1.5 billion to support economic recovery.
“Western North Carolina is dotted with stories like those out of Lansing: stories of people who have worked day in and day out on recovery,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These grants will strengthen Main Streets and help small businesses welcome customers. We are committed to being there with these small businesses every step of the way while letting the world know that western North Carolina is open for business.”
“Our commitment to supporting western North Carolina’s recovery remains steadfast,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Strong, reliable public infrastructure is essential for long-term resilience and the continued growth of these communities and local economies.”
Today the Governor also stopped by the Lansing Fire Department to thank firefighters for their leadership during the storm and celebrated the reopening of Pie on the Mountain by working a shift behind the counter. Governor and First Lady Stein will also join join the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce for the Spirit of Boone Annual Membership Gathering, where they will receive the Spirit of Boone Community Award and highlight the work ahead to support the region’s long-term economic recovery.
Earlier this year, Governor Stein announced nearly $8.5 million in new infrastructure grants to support 13 local small business recovery projects in western North Carolina through the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ). Since 2025, SmBIZ has awarded 51 projects more than $36 million in grants, including downtown streetscape repairs, water and sewer lines, stormwater controls, and utility relocation.
Governor Stein has not let up in his commitment to help the people of western North Carolina rebuild two years since Hurricane Helene struck the region. As of July, the Department of Environmental Quality has awarded $1 billion to strengthen water infrastructure and resilience in western North Carolina. Since Hurricane Helene struck, 99% of all drinking water systems damaged by the storm have been fully restored, but more than $758 million in unmet federal needs remain to fully repair systems and make them more resilient to future storms. More than 99% of roads closed or impacted by Hurricane Helene are now reopened, and more than $105 million in grants and loans have been awarded to nearly 3,000 small businesses to retain nearly 15,000 jobs across the region. Click here to read more about how Governor Stein and his administration are working to rebuild western North Carolina for the long haul.
As the state stays focused on recovery, Governor Stein continues to call on the federal government to recommit to western North Carolina’s recovery with a new $10 billion appropriation that would support small businesses and local governments, restore dams and streambanks, rebuild private roads and bridges, and repairing federal highways. Click here to read more about Governor Stein’s federal request.
SmBIZ Fourth-Round Grant Awards
Ashe County
Town of West Jefferson – $233,191 to support and rehabilitate existing infrastructure serving the downtown commercial area.
Avery County
Town of Elk Park – $100,000 to replace a failing culvert on Main Street to protect adjacent infrastructure and reduce flood risks for nearby businesses.
Buncombe County – $786,291 to repair, improve, and extend sidewalks on Railroad, South, and Alexander streets in Beacon Village.
Clay County
Town of Hayesville – $1,000,000 to build a retaining wall and replace and improve sidewalk infrastructure to restore pedestrian access and protect the downtown from future storm-related impacts.
Town of Hayesville – $1,000,000 to repair and improve the downtown stormwater system and sidewalk infrastructure for increased public safety and long-term resilience.
Town of Hayesville – $1,000,000 to repair the stormwater system and infrastructure for the Mill Street corridor.
Swain County
Town of Bryson City – $965,968 to restore public water system and improve public safety and continuity of operations south of the Tuckasegee River.
Local governments in eligible counties may continue submitting applications while funding remains available. Additional information about the program and project eligibility can be found at commerce.nc.gov/SmBIZ.