Lowe’s and LISC have joined forces to award $2 million in grants to small businesses in Western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene. Grants will be awarded through a competitive online application process administered by LISC.
What we’re offering small businesses
LISC and Lowe’s will award $20,000 grants to 100 small businesses in Western North Carolina to help accelerate economic recovery after Hurricane Helene.
Small businesses may use these flexible grants to meet urgent needs such as:
- Wages and benefits
- Inventory and systems for ongoing operations
- Payables (rent, supplies, etc.)
- Past-due bills
Note: Grants cannot be used for costs associated with starting or closing a business.
Who is eligible to apply
Small businesses are eligible to apply for a grant if they meet the following criteria:
- Must be located in a disaster designated county in Western North Carolina qualifying for individual and public assistance (categories A-G on FEMA map)
- Must self-report as an enterprise in one of the following industries:
- Construction (includes general contractors, trade contractors such as painting, masonry, plumbing, electrical work, etc)
- Manufacturing (includes factories, makers, bakeries, candy makers, custom tailors, etc)
- Retail Trade (includes food stores, groceries and convenience stores, hardware stores, nurseries/garden centers, flower shops, bookstores, car dealers, apparel stores, etc)
- Transportation and Warehousing (includes providing transportation of passengers and cargo, warehousing and storage for goods, scenic and sightseeing transportation)
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting (includes farms, ranches, dairies, greenhouses, nurseries, orchards, or hatcheries)
- Must attest that the business expects to still be operating at some capacity or expect to be within the next six months to a year
- Must be able to provide valid W-9 information if selected as a semi-finalist
- Must be able to provide Direct Deposit/ACH information and/or a valid bank letter if selected as a semi-finalist.
How to apply for a grant
Eligible small businesses must submit an online application from November 18-22, 2024. Sign up to be notified when the application is open.
Questions
Potential applicants may direct questions to SmallBusinessServices@lisc.org.
Funders
Lowe's
LISC