This news item expired on Sunday, February 28, 2021 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Small businesses looking for help getting through the winter as the COVID-19 global pandemic continues to hamper sales can soon apply for local grants. The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners recently approved funding to revitalize the One Buncombe Fund; a community-based grant source that can provide much-needed financial support during these difficult times. Worried that your business might not be eligible? The One Buncombe Fund is intentionally seeking out local businesses that do not qualify for PPP funding and other relief options. There is also a focus on single-owner, people of color- and women-owned businesses.
Here’s what small businesses need to know:
- Applications will be accepted Feb. 8-28.
- Sole proprietorships are eligible for up to $2,500.
- Small businesses with 2-25 full-time equivalent employees are eligible for up to $5,000.
- For detailed specifics on eligibility, visit mountainbizworks.org/1bf.
- Two upcoming webinars can help you determine if you qualify and answer other questions:
- Tuesday, Feb. 9 from 2-3 p.m. Register here.
- Thursday, Feb. 11 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Register here.
Community involvement needed
While County Commissioners have dedicated $150,000 to the revitalized One Buncombe Fund, our community can play an integral role in both raising awareness about these grants in our small business community and helping us meet our goal of raising $500,000. By achieving or surpassing this goal, we can help keep a vital part of Buncombe County alive. Small businesses are the heart of our arts, music, retail, food, and other crucial industries that invigorate our community by providing jobs, donating to local causes, and helping keep our communities and economy vibrant. This money truly can make a difference, as small business owner Pam Granger Gale can attest to. “When I received One Buncombe funding, anxiety levels subsided,” the art studio owner says of money she received as part of the first round of funding.
If you want to donate to the One Buncombe Fund, here’s what you need to know:
- Donations are tax deductible.
- 100% of donations go to Buncombe County small businesses.
- Donate here.
- Additional details, including impact data and a list of donors, can be found at OneBuncombe.org.
If you need help, or know a small business in need of assistance, please make them aware of the One Buncombe Fund. And thank you in advance for your donations that undoubtedly help support our community during these difficult times. Please note, if you are an individual in need of COVID-related assistance, please call Buncombe County Health and Human Services at (828) 250-5500. Special thanks to our partner Mountain BizWorks for its invaluable logistical and outreach contributions to this initiative. For additional information, please contact Rachael Nygaard at Rachael.Nygaard@buncombecounty.org, or (828)-250-6536.