Small businesses in the heart of downtown Old Fort now have a critical opportunity to receive financial support as they continue to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. The Old Fort Rebuilding Together Grant is officially open for applications, offering up to $25,000 in direct funding to eligible businesses that suffered physical damage during the storm.

This initiative is part of the broader Rural Rebuilding Together Grant Program, which supports small businesses in the downtown districts of five towns in Western North Carolina. Local leaders at McDowell Technical Community College are making a concerted effort to reach businesses in Old Fort — a community hit hard by Hurricane Helene and one that the college has long championed through ongoing support and partnership.

“Old Fort is resilient, and so are its small businesses,” said Dr. J.W. Kelley, President of McDowell Technical Community College. “This grant can make all the difference for a business trying to reopen its doors, rehire employees, or simply get back on its feet. We strongly encourage every eligible business owner in Old Fort to apply.”

The grant program is designed to activate and restore the economic vitality of downtown areas by helping businesses cover storm-related expenses not already reimbursed by insurance or previous aid. Qualifying businesses may use funds for repairs, inventory, equipment, and more — provided those expenses support recovery and reopening efforts.

Terry Valentino, Executive Director of Small Business & Corporate Training at McDowell Tech and a board member of the Marion Downtown Business Association, emphasized the importance of this moment:

“This is more than just financial assistance — it’s an investment in the people and identity of Old Fort,” Valentino said. “Downtowns thrive when their local businesses thrive. If you own a business in Old Fort and were impacted by Hurricane Helene, don’t wait. Apply before April 20th.”

As part of its commitment to economic growth and resilience, McDowell Tech operates a Workforce Development Center in Old Fort and has been a steadfast partner in the town’s ongoing recovery process. The college’s Small Business Center remains actively engaged with Old Fort’s business community and is ready to assist business owners seeking help with their Old Fort Rebuilding Together Grant applications. To contact Mrs. Valentino for assistance, please email [email protected] or call 828-652-0634.

Key Details:

• Eligible Businesses: Must be located in Old Fort’s central downtown business district and have suffered direct physical damage from Hurricane Helene.
• Grant Amount: Up to $25,000 per business.
• Application Deadline: Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
• Award Notifications: By Friday, May 9, 2025.
• Apply Online: www.mountainbizworks.org/ruralgrants

Applicants are required to submit documentation, including proof of address, photo ID, and tax or financial records. The grant does not cover personal or non-business-related expenses and cannot be used to relocate businesses out of the area.

For local businesses in Old Fort that have already faced countless challenges since the storm, this funding could provide much-needed breathing room and a stronger foundation for the future.

For more information or for additional assistance with the application, business owners are encouraged to contact Mountain BizWorks at [email protected] or 828-253-2834.

“Our hope is that no eligible business in Old Fort misses this opportunity,” Dr. Kelley concluded. “We stand ready to support our local entrepreneurs every step of the way — because when our small businesses succeed, our entire community grows stronger.”

Source: MTCC.