InSPIRe: Grants for Small Business Recovery
Helping Western NC Small Businesses Recover After Hurricane Helene
When Hurricane Helene struck, many WNC small businesses were left with losses that insurance didn’t fully cover. InSPIRe the Insurance Supplement Program for Inclusive Recovery is a pilot program created to support businesses with cash grants to cover a portion of uncovered losses, coupled with tailored assistance from Carolina Community Impact and access to resources from its network of partners.
The InSPIRe application is closed
All applications are currently being reviewed.
Why InSPIRe?
InSPIRe—the Insurance Supplement Program for Inclusive Recovery— is a pilot program that offers grants up to $5,000 for Helene-impacted small businesses in Western NC that filed disaster insurance claims that were denied or underfunded. Alongside this direct financial relief, we can connect you to recovery specialists that offer tailored assistance and additional resources.
At CCI we’re committed to going above and beyond—not just offering relief and assistance but building solutions for the future. That’s why the InSPIRe program is also partnering with research experts to understand the role disaster insurance has played in WNC small business recovery, what gaps remain, and what innovations could improve business resilience in the face of increasing uncertainty.
Fast Relief
Grants up to $5,000.
Simple Application
We ask targeted questions about your insurance experience and request a limited number of key documents
More Than a Grant
Our experts are here to help and connect you to additional recovery resources.
Eligibility Snapshot
To qualify, your business must:
- Be a legal business or nonprofit based in Western NC
- Have been in operation at least 6 months before Hurricane Helene (March 27, 2024) and are currently open or planning to re-open
- Earn $2.5M or less in annual revenue
- Have filed one or more commercial disaster insurance claims for Helene-related losses that were fully or partially denied
Ineligible businesses: Franchises not locally owned, residential rental businesses (Airbnb/VRBO), country clubs and similar membership-based organizations, and houses of worship.
Process & Timeline
Answer a brief prequalification survey to see if you’re eligible.
If pre-qualified, you’ll receive a link to complete the application and upload documents by January 15.
Our team will review your application and make grant determinations by February 27.
Award recipients receive funds within a week of signing the grant agreement
Required Documentation
For prequalified businesses, we will request documentation to verify your application information, including:
Valid ID for all owners
2023 or 2024 tax returns or acceptable alternatives
Insurance policy and claim documentation
Business Registration documents
How it Works
Complete our secure registration form and receive a confirmation email.
We verify your eligibility and notify you of next steps.
Qualified businesses upload required documents through our secure portal.
Our team reviews your claim and communicates any additional requirements.
Approved claims receive funds within 4–6 weeks.
If you’re not eligible for funding, we’ll connect you to recovery resources through our InSPIRe+ programs and partners.
FAQs
What is the InSPIRe program?
InSPIRe (Insurance Supplement Program for Inclusive Recovery) is a pilot initiative by Carolina Community Impact (CCI) that provides modest cash grants (up to $5,000) to small businesses in Western NC impacted by Hurricane Helene. These grants help cover some of the losses not reimbursed by insurance and contribute to research aimed at improving future disaster recovery solutions.
Who is eligible to apply?
Your business must be
- a legal entity or nonprofit located in Western NC,
- operating on or before March 27, 2024 and currently open or re-opening
- have annual revenue of $2.5M or less, and
- have filed one or more Helene-related commercial disaster insurance claims that were fully or partially denied.
What WNC counties are eligible for InSPIRe?
Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Davie, Forsyth, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, McDowell, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Stokes, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, Yancey, and the Qualla Boundary.
Can I apply if I didn’t file a disaster insurance claim?
No. To be eligible for the grant, you must have filed at least one commercial disaster insurance claim that was denied or partially denied.
What types of disaster insurance claims qualify for InSPIRe?
Eligible disaster insurance claims include Commercial Property/Hazard, Commercial Vehicle, Business Interruption, Fire & Extended Coverage, Flood & Earthquake, Inland Marine, and Excess & Umbrella. General Liability policies & claims are not eligible.
How much funding can I receive?
Grants are capped at $5,000 per business. The actual amount may depend on documented losses and available funding.
What if I need more than $5,000?
We understand that the InSPIRe grant may only provide partial relief for uncovered losses. If you need additional capital or other support, experts on our team are here to help guide you to other potential options.
What documents will I need to provide?
If pre-qualified, you’ll need to upload: Valid ID for all owners, insurance policy and claim documentation, organizational filing documents, and 2023 or 2024 tax returns or acceptable alternatives.
How do I apply?
Start with a quick pre-qualification survey at www.ccifund.org/inspire. If eligible, you’ll receive a link to complete the full application and upload required documents.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2026. Funding is limited, so early applications are encouraged. Get prequalified today at www.ccifund.org/inspire
Still have a question?
Apply by January 15th
Ready to take the next step for additional recovery resources? Get prequalified or contact us at inspire@ccifund.org or (919) 500-5114.
