Small Business Recovery Grant

Flood-impacted businesses in Haywood County can apply for up to $25,000 in grant funds thanks to a program available through the Haywood Advancement Foundation and the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority.

The Haywood County Small Business Recovery Grant Program: Hurricane Helene Response, is designed to support small businesses in Haywood County that were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Initial funding of $100,000 from both Haywood Advancement and Haywood County Tourism Authority jump started the grant program.

Eligible businesses can receive up to $25,000 to cover rebuilding, recovery, and operational losses attributable to Hurricane Helene. Business losses due to reduced tourism are also eligible.

To qualify, businesses must:

• Be a for-profit business with 25 or fewer employees that operates within Haywood County.
• Use funds for working capital to maintain or restart operations; repairs to owned or leased buildings; to replace inventory lost or damaged during the storm, to cover lease or mortgage payments on business property; to buy or repair equipment or to cover payroll shortages due to temporary closures;
• Must be in good financial standing.

The application process requires documentation of damage, disclosure of any insurance coverage and claims documentation and a narrative on how funds were spent, as well as photos. Grant funds must be spent within six months of receipt. The program opened on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 and will last until available funds are awarded. To apply for or donate to the program, visit haywoodadvancement.org or contact David Francis at [email protected] or 828/456.3021.

Because donations for the program are still coming in, there is no firm estimate on how much assistance will be available. So far, $350,000 has been pledged to the program. Major donors to date include: · David and Annie Colquitt, Cataloochee Ranch/The Swag · Haywood County Tourism Development Authority · NC Commerce · United Way of Waynesville.

The program is being handled through the Haywood Advancement Foundation; a nonprofit corporation established in 1990 to oversee economic development and support the community of Haywood County.

HURRICANE HELENE AFTERMATH

Maggie Valley continues to come alive with fall colors still putting on their annual show!  Cool temperatures and beautiful blue skies await you. Our shops, restaurants, attractions and outdoor adventures are anticipating your return!

Yes, you’ll find Maggie Valley waiting for you, with open arms.

Hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park are eagerly waiting for your next stroll.  The Oconaluftee Visitor Center in nearby Cherokee is the perfect spot to view the elk during the early morning or late evening hours.  Bonus!  A visit to picturesque Soco Falls would be a nice stop along your way.

It won’t be long before fall turns to winter and Cataloochee Ski Area and Tube World will be ready to make snow and open for the season!  And with the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays right around the corner there is no better time to visit.  Whether you spend it with family or friends, the perfect get-a-way in a cozy hotel room or vacation rental in Maggie Valley will make your holidays merry and bright.  Be sure to make that reservation now, before space runs out!

While we remain cognizant of the impact Hurricane Helene has had on our region, work continues to be done but your visit will help our communities continue to rebuild.

Come fall in love with the mountains again. See our leaves turn, ski our slopes, tube our hills, hike our trails and just stay awhile.   We are here and looking forward to seeing you again…soon.

#MaggieValleyStrong ❤️

#HaywoodStrong 💚

#WNCStrong 💛

Your Chamber Board 2025

Patty Carter – Maggie Valley Puzzle Rooms, President
Randy Fisher – Maggie Valley Embroidery, Vice President
Brad Pendley – Maggie Mountaineer Crafts, Treasurer
Melissa Pless – Premier Vacation Rentals, Secretary
Erin Mahoney- J Arthur’s Restaurant
Christine Chamberlain – Organic Beans Coffee Company
Val Gene “Pop” Hamilton – Pop’s Place
Sonja Michels – Creekwood Village Resort
Anna Carver – Maggie Valley Restaurant
Teresa Smith – Chamber Executive Director