Helene Disaster Assistance: View information and resources available to North Carolina businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene

Helene help center Updated WNC Strong: Helene Disaster Relief & Business Recovery Resources Find what you need to navigate your small business through this unprecedented time. We're here for you...Read more

Business Assistance & Resources After Hurricane Helene, our local business community has proven its strength and unity in the face of adversity. As your Chamber, we are honored to be here for you, providing a hub for essential resources from FEMA, the Small Business Administration, and others.

FEMA is actively supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts. Apply for FEMA assistance here, by calling 800-621-3362 or on the FEMA app. Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund: Click here for the application link and eligibility requirements for the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (RDRF).

Following a federal disaster declaration because of Hurricane Helene, DUA benefits are available in 25 counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The counties are as follows, and more counties may be added to the list of those eligible for DUA at a later date: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The deadline to apply is December 2.

Blue Ridge Community College is pleased to announce that all campuses will reopen for instruction on Monday, October 14, 2024. After more than two-weeks of closure ...

Unemployment Rates Increase in 49 of NC Counties in August 2024



Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 49 of North Carolina’s counties in August 2024, decreased in 29, and remained unchanged in 22. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.4 percent while Dare County had the lowest at 3.3 percent. Six of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases, five decreased, and four remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 6.0 percent while Asheville had the lowest at 3.5 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.3 percent