Small Business Support Program

The City of Asheville’s Small Business Support Program (SBSP) is a CDBG‑DR‑funded grant initiative designed to help disaster‑impacted small businesses and nonprofit partners within the city’s limits recover, retain jobs, and stimulate economic revitalization. The program provides up to $15.5 million in direct grant assistance for capital expenditures, equipment, inventory replacement, lease/rent support, working‑capital, marketing, and other continuity‑related costs, along with technical assistance. Applicants must submit a grant application by the stated deadline; the city will evaluate proposals based on eligibility, impact on low‑ and moderate‑income (LMI) employment, and alignment with the city’s recovery plan. No traditional procurement or contract award process is involved. • Eligible entities: Asheville‑based small businesses and nonprofit partners impacted by the disaster. • Funding focus: Recovery‑related capital, operating expenses, and job‑creation activities for LMI populations. • Application deadline: December 2 2025; submission via the NOFO portal with required documentation (manual, guide, etc.). • Administration: Managed by City of Asheville’s “Asheville Recovers” portal; $990 k allocated for program administration, $510 k set aside for mitigation activities.