Western NC workforce boards offered $500,000 to assist with Helene recovery
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The North Carolina Department of Commerce is providing funds for workforce boards in western North Carolina counties impacted by Hurricane Helene, state officials said Wednesday.
According to the Department of Commerce, the Hurricane Helene Business Edge Fund offers $500,000 to the western North Carolina workforce boards in an effort to help communities retain jobs and businesses.
Workforce development boards in impacted counties may apply to the Division of Workforce Solutions for funding and provide grants of up to $10,000 each to eligible businesses and community-based organizations. Employers in the impacted counties will be eligible to apply to their local workforce board, according to the Department of Commerce.
State officials said the counties eligible for the funds include Ashe, Avery, Burke, Buncombe, Caldwell, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey.
To apply, state officials said businesses must have been in operation for at least two years, be current on Unemployment Insurance taxes, and be in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service. The application should demonstrate a need for layoff aversion support and outline reasonable uses for the funds. Local workforce development boards may add their own application requirements.
The Hurricane Helene Business Edge Fund may not be used for products or services covered by insurance, hazard pay, rent, employee wages and benefits, certain support services for employees, and improvements, upgrades, or equipment that contribute to the capital assets of a business, according to the Department of Commerce.
Businesses are asked to contact their local workforce development board or NCWorks Career Center to apply for the Hurricane Helene Business Edge Fund. Contact information can be found on the North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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