Lowe's starts a small business recovery fund
As part of its ongoing efforts to support recovery from Hurricane Helene's widespread devastation, Lowe's has launched a Western North Carolina Small Business Recovery Fund. According to Lowe's, the $2.5 million fund will provide grants directly to small businesses in the company's home state and support local business development organizations advance their work to help businesses navigate disaster relief aid.
Beginning Nov. 18 through Nov. 22, small businesses in disaster-declared communities in Western North Carolina will be eligible to apply for grants to meet needs like payroll, rent or replacing equipment or tools. The Lowe's fund will award 100 $20,000 grants.
"The economic toll of Hurricane Helene will be felt for years to come. Small businesses are the cornerstones of the communities we serve – not only are they our customers, but also our vendors, neighbors, church members and friends," said Marvin Ellison, Lowe's chairman and CEO. "The faster we can help small businesses get back on their feet, the faster the region can begin to recover. We are committed to supporting our community every step of the way."
The fund will be managed by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Small businesses can visit LISC.org/Lowes to learn more about the Lowe's Western North Carolina Small Business Recovery Fund. Grant applications will open Monday, Nov. 18 at 9 a.m.
On Tuesday, Nov. 26, Lowe's will also distribute 3,000 Thanksgiving meals, purchased from local caterers, at six Lowe's stores in Asheville, Banner Elk, Boone, Marion and Weaverville, while supplies last. The meals will be prepared by Reid's Cafe & Catering Co. (Banner Elk), The Blackbird Restaurant (Asheville), Zella's Deli & Catering (Swannanoa), The Local Joint (Fairview), Well Bred Bakery & Cafe (Asheville) and Baked Pie Company (Asheville), helping to feed more than 12,000 people in hard-hit communities.
The initiatives announced today are part of Lowe's $12 million pledge to support relief and recovery efforts in the wake of the devastation in Western North Carolina from Hurricane Helene and the extensive damage from Hurricane Milton.
