North Carolina Bolsters Infrastructure to Aid Small Business Recovery
In a significant move to aid small businesses in western North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein has announced the allocation of nearly $8.5 million in infrastructure grants. These funds are aimed at supporting 13 local projects as part of the ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, facilitated by the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ).
“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 grants are intended to rehabilitate and enhance public infrastructure critical for small business operations, including water and sewer systems, stormwater controls, utility relocations, and the refurbishment of downtown streetscapes. Through these efforts, the state aims to stabilize commercial districts and secure long-term economic activities.
Since November 2025, the SmBIZ program has distributed close to $30 million to facilitate small business recovery in the region. Created through a $55 million allocation by the North Carolina General Assembly, the program provides grants of up to $1 million to local governments addressing infrastructure damage impacting economic corridors and 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, allowing recipients access to upfront funding. This change aims to minimize delays associated with reimbursement schedules and accelerate progress in affected areas.
“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 for infrastructure restoration in 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 supplementary infrastructure improvements to enhance downtown stability.
Caldwell County
City of Lenoir – $500,000 for infrastructure upgrades in the Steele Cotton Mill area supporting commercial operations.
Jackson County
Town of Dillsboro – $478,875 for restoring historic Front Street infrastructure and improving stormwater systems.
Town of Sylva – $952,760 for repairing and enhancing downtown stormwater and utility infrastructure.
Mitchell County
Town of Bakersville – $1,000,000 for infrastructure improvements for downtown business service reliability.
Town of Bakersville – $1,000,000 for repairing critical infrastructure damaged by flooding.
Town of Bakersville – $160,000 for repairing and constructing steel-reinforced concrete retaining walls.
Town of Bakersville – $80,000 for targeted infrastructure upgrades enhancing public safety and business continuity.
Town of Spruce Pine – $1,000,000 for burying approximately 1,300 feet of infrastructure to boost reliability and reduce risks.
Town of Spruce Pine – $1,000,000 for burying approximately 2,200 feet of infrastructure to increase long-term system durability.
Through this funding round, the SmBIZ program continues to fortify public systems supporting small business activity across western North Carolina. Local governments in eligible regions may apply for grants while funds remain available. Additional information on the program and project eligibility is accessible at commerce.nc.gov/SmBIZ.
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