Small Business Economic Resilience Grant Program

The City of Marion Small Business Economic Resilience Grant Program is a locally administered funding initiative designed to support small businesses recovering from the economic impacts of Hurricane Helene. This program is made possible through funding from Dogwood Health Trust and is implemented in partnership with the Marion Business Association. The initiative reflects a targeted investment in stabilizing and strengthening the local business community, recognizing the essential role small businesses play in the economic and social vitality of the City of Marion. By focusing on recovery and resilience, the program aims to address ongoing disruptions caused by the storm, including revenue loss, infrastructure challenges, and long-term economic instability. The primary purpose of this grant program is to provide financial assistance to small businesses that continue to experience hardship due to Hurricane Helene. The funding is intended to help businesses recover, adapt, and sustain operations as they navigate the lingering effects of the disaster. Eligible uses of grant funds include restoring business operations, replacing damaged equipment or inventory, addressing financial strain directly tied to the storm, and stabilizing ongoing business activities. The program is structured to fill gaps for businesses that may not have received sufficient support from other recovery resources, such as insurance, federal aid, or other grant programs. Funding for the program totals 100000 dollars, with individual grant awards available up to 10000 dollars per business. Applicants are required to request funding amounts that reflect their demonstrated recovery needs, and award decisions will be based on the severity of impact, the clarity of the proposed use of funds, and the availability of program funds. There is no stated matching requirement, and funds must be used specifically for expenses related to recovery from Hurricane Helene. The program emphasizes direct economic recovery and requires applicants to demonstrate how the funds will contribute to stabilizing or restoring their business operations. Eligibility for the program is limited to for profit small businesses located within the City of Marion. Applicants must meet several criteria, including having annual gross revenue of 500000 dollars or less, employing 25 or fewer full time employees, and having been in operation and compliant with state requirements on or before July 1, 2024. Businesses must also demonstrate documented ongoing economic impact from Hurricane Helene, such as revenue loss, physical damage, or operational disruptions. Additional requirements include providing at least 50 percent of the owner's income and demonstrating unmet recovery needs if other disaster related funding has been received. The application process requires submission through an online form, where applicants must provide detailed business information, financial documentation such as tax returns or profit and loss statements, and narrative responses describing the impact of Hurricane Helene and the intended use of grant funds. Applicants are asked to specify their funding request within defined ranges and to describe their business operations, financial stability, and community contributions. Supporting documentation is required to verify eligibility and demonstrate the extent of economic impact. The application deadline for the program is September 1, 2026 at 4:00 pm Eastern Time. There are no pre application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers. The program does not specify an application opening date but is currently accepting applications. Award notifications and performance periods are not explicitly stated in the available information. There is also no indication that the program is recurring, suggesting it is a one time funding opportunity tied to the recovery timeline following Hurricane Helene. Overall, the City of Marion Small Business Economic Resilience Grant Program represents a focused local effort to support economic recovery and resilience. By prioritizing businesses that remain vulnerable and impacted by disaster related disruptions, the program seeks to ensure the continued vitality of the local economy and strengthen the community’s long term stability.

Clearly document Hurricane Helene impact and unmet recovery needs; align funding request with specific recovery expenses; provide detailed and accurate financial information