NC governor announces $8.5 million for small business recovery in WNC

RALEIGH, N.C. (FOX Carolina) – Governor Josh Stein announced nearly $8.5 million in new infrastructure grants to support small business recovery in western North Carolina on Friday.

The funding will assist 13 projects through the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ), continuing the state’s response to the impacts of 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 projects will focus on restoring and improving public infrastructure systems that are vital to the success of small businesses, including water and sewer lines, stormwater controls, utility relocation and downtown streetscape repairs.

Awards were announced for the following areas:

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.