The Mitchell County Development Foundation’s Small Business Resiliency Fund announced a fourth round of grant opportunities totaling up to $175,000. These grants have been made possible by gifts and donations from the Samuel L. Phillips Family Foundation, Duke Energy Foundation, Hilloween’s sponsorship of the Old Crow Medicine Show concert, the State Employees Combined Campaign for 2025, and other generous donors.
These grants will continue support of Mitchell County businesses damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene and will offer a new grant category for new or expanded businesses in Mitchell County aiding in the revitalization of the county.
The Mitchell County Development Foundation (MCDF) has already awarded a total of $1,273,700 via 99 different grants to businesses across Mitchell County, thanks to support from individual, foundation and corporate sponsors.
“Your continued support for our small business and for all of Mitchell County has been inspiring. You realize that our communities and businesses will not continue to exist and be successful without essential aid. You helped us when others could not or did not know how to do so. May you all continue to champion Mitchell County. We need folks like you cheering us on.”
—MDCF Grant Recipient
“Keith Holtsclaw and our Grants Committee have continued their outstanding work in procuring grants and donations. Sponsorships and support from local and statewide organizations in 2025 helped keep Mitchell County in the forefront with news coverage and updates as businesses recovered. In addition to continuing to support businesses affected directly by Hurricane Helene, this fourth round of grants will also offer support to local businesses working toward the revitalization of our County. All of us at the Mitchell County Development Foundation want to express our deep appreciation to the many individuals, businesses, and organizations across the state who have donated to support our work.”
—Jeff Gouge
President, Mitchell County Development Foundation
Interested in applying for these funds? If your business was affected by the storm or you have a new or expanded business in a recovering area of Mitchell County, please visit www.mitchellcountydevelopmentfoundation.org for information on how to apply. Applications opened on February 11, 2026 and close at midnight on February 25, 2026. Grants to local businesses will range from $1,000 to $25,000 depending on demonstrated need, availability of funding, and other factors.
Interested in making a donation to support Mitchell County businesses? The MCDF has almost reached its initial goal of awarding grants totaling 1.5 million dollars to businesses in Mitchell County after Helene. While proud of what has already been accomplished, MCDF leaders know there are still businesses needing support and funding to fully recover. Future donations will enable MCDF to continue its work in 2026. Donors wishing to support the foundation’s efforts can make a contribution at the MCDF website. 100% of received funds will continue to be used to help businesses in Mitchell County.
About the Mitchell County Development Foundation: For more than 20 years, the Mitchell County Development Foundation has supported the people, businesses, and community organizations of Mitchell County. The Foundation is a community-based organization that raises tax deductible funds to support businesses in Mitchell County. The Foundation’s sole focus now is hurricane rebuilding efforts. 100% of received donated funds will be used to help business owners’ recovery in Mitchell County.
www.mitchellcountydevelopmentfoundation.org