Press release from Haywood Advancement Foundation:
HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (Dec. 20, 2024) – In a powerful display of community support and resilience, the Haywood Advancement Foundation (HAF) has awarded $350,000 in recovery grants to 17 small businesses across Haywood County, aiding their efforts to rebuild after the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene. These grants are a lifeline for businesses in Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley, and Waynesville, providing them the financial support they need to recover, rebuild and continue serving the community.
In total, 126 applications were received, with businesses seeking more than $2.25 million in grant funding. Though the need far exceeded the available resources, the generosity of local and regional partners made it possible to award critical financial support to as many businesses as possible.
“This grant program is a testament to the strength and determination of Haywood County small businesses,” said HAF Managing Director David Francis. “Those that sustained significant physical damage and have demonstrated active steps toward reopening and recovery were prioritized for grant funding. The receipt of these funds will be a critical step in helping them rebuild and continue serving the community.”
Chelsea Ramsey and Haley Ramey, owners of Soul Sisters Depot in Waynesville’s Frog Level district, received a grant to support the reopening of their boutique, which features clothing, jewelry and gifts from local makers.
“”Receiving the small business recovery grant has been an incredible boost for Soul Sisters Depot,” said Ramey. “It’s allowed us to invest further in supporting local artisans and remain a vibrant part of the Haywood County community. Initiatives like this make our mountain towns truly special, and we’re deeply grateful for this program and those who support it.”
Sue and Brad Pendley, owners of Maggie Mountaineer Crafts, used their grant to repair an HVAC system damaged in the flood.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of the Small Business Recovery Grant Fund. Thanks to this grant, we were able to repair our HVAC system, which was damaged in the flood,” said Sue Pendley. “Maggie Mountaineer Crafts has been a beloved part of the community since 1975, building on the legacy of Mountaineer Crafts, which was founded in 1950. Maggie Valley is not just our home—it’s our heart—and we are honored to be part of a community that has supported us for so many years. This grant allows us to continue serving our neighbors and visitors, who have become like family to us.”
The recovery fund was made possible through the combined efforts of several key partners, each showing a deep commitment to the community’s recovery. HAF kicked off the initiative with a $150,000 contribution, followed by a $100,000 donation from the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) to recognize the vital role small businesses play in the county’s tourism economy. The Colquitt Family Foundation matched this amount, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to helping the community heal. Additional donations came from Duke Energy ($25,000), United Way ($15,000), the North Carolina Chamber ($10,000), Spectrum ($2,500), and the Town of Lake Santeetlah ($2,000), along with individual donations that raised an additional $10,000.
The HAF is actively seeking additional donations to help sustain and expand the grant program, ensuring continued support for local businesses as they recover and rebuild. Community members and visitors can also contribute directly to the small business recovery fund by purchasing a “Haywood Strong” holiday ornament. These ornaments are available for sale at the Visit Haywood Welcome Center (91 N Lakeshore Dr., Lake Junaluska, NC) or online at GiftHaywood.com.
“This holiday season, we’re encouraging residents and visitors to shop local and uplift the small businesses of our mountain towns,” said Corrina Ruffieux, Executive Director of the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. “By booking a trip to Haywood County, checking off your gift list at local shops or purchasing one of our ‘Haywood Strong’ holiday ornaments, you are supporting the resilience and recovery of our community.”
For more information and to donate to support the recovery and reopening of small businesses in Haywood County, visit HaywoodAdvancement.org.
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