More than a year after Tropical Storm Helene, small businesses across Western North Carolina are still working to rebuild — and Spruce Pine is getting a major boost.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein announced Nov. 12 that 19 new small business recovery projects across WNC have been awarded a total of $13.8 million in grants through the state’s Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program. Among them, the Town of Spruce Pine will receive $1 million to construct new stormwater infrastructure along Sycamore Alley. The project is designed to protect eight downtown businesses and prevent future property damage from flooding.
The grants represent the second round of funding from the state’s Helene recovery initiative, which helps rebuild critical public infrastructure that small businesses depend on.
In addition to Spruce Pine’s award, the Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division announced that the 19 projects include 16 standard recovery projects totaling $11.26 million and three emergency infrastructure projects totaling $2.55 million in Bryson City and Maggie Valley earlier this fall.
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley said the goal is to ensure that communities hit by Helene “rebuild stronger, safer, and more resilient local economies.”
The SmBIZ program, part of a $55 million initiative established by Gov. Stein and the General Assembly, continues to support long-term small business recovery across Western North Carolina.
Breakdown of grants:
City of Asheville
- $871,649 to support the restoration of approximately 3,000 square yards of historic brick sidewalks in Biltmore Village to preserve its character and improve accessibility and flood resilience.
- $968,622 to support the reconstruction of 36 ADA-accessible ramps throughout Biltmore Village to enhance pedestrian safety and access for residents, visitors, and local businesses.
- $652,530 to support the replacement of approximately 2,231 linear feet of historic curbing in Biltmore Village to improve stormwater management and restore the district’s historic aesthetic.
Buncombe County
- $979,069 to support the repair and reconstruction of 1.2 miles of sidewalks in Swannanoa to strengthen pedestrian connections to local businesses and enhance safety
Town of Black Mountain
- $1 million to support the replacement of 710 linear feet of stormwater pipe along Sutton Avenue to reduce flood risk and improve community resilience and economic vitality.
Town of Maggie Valley
- $928,320 to support the replacement of the municipal sewer pipe and bridge structure along US 276 spanning Jonathan Creek to restore critical sewer service. (Awarded Oct. 23, 2025)
- $626,300 to support stabilization and site preparation to protect critical sewer infrastructure at Jonathan Creek along US 276. (Awarded Oct. 23, 2025)
City of Hendersonville
- $850,000 to support the installation of 2,700 feet of new 10-inch waterline and fire hydrants to improve service redundancy and fire safety at Cane Creek Industrial Park.
- $946,000 to support the restoration of 1,000 feet of downtown sidewalk and stormwater drainage along 7th Avenue East to ensure ADA compliance and prevent future damage.
Town of Hot Springs
- $267,182 to support the replacement of 300 square yards of deteriorated sidewalk and stormwater improvements along South Main Street to strengthen connectivity downtown.
- $641,238 to support the reconstruction of Bridge Street sidewalks – part of the Appalachian Trail corridor – to restore ADA access and support local businesses and tourism.
- $347,179 to support the restoration of sidewalks and ADA upgrades along North and South Andrews Avenue, including improved accessibility and utility conduit installation.
Town of Marshall
- $576,467 to support the replacement of damaged sidewalks along the north side of South Main Street to restore safe pedestrian access and ADA compliance.
- $931,522 to support the reconstruction of sidewalks along the south side of South Main Street with new ADA ramps, parking stalls, and utility adjustments.
- $399,446 to support the reconstruction of sidewalks along the north side of North Main Street to improve drainage and restore downtown accessibility.
- $595,859 to support the replacement of sidewalks along the south side of North Main Street with new ADA-compliant infrastructure to support small businesses.
- $235,197 to support the replacement of sidewalks and accessibility improvements along Bridge Street to enhance safety and connectivity between commercial areas.
Town of Spruce Pine
- $1 million to support the construction of new stormwater infrastructure along Sycamore Alley to protect eight local businesses and prevent property damage.
Town of Bryson City
- $1 million to support the installation of 1,600 feet of new 12-inch HDPE water main under the Tuckasegee River to restore a reliable water supply for small businesses. (Awarded Sept. 16, 2025)
