Hurricane Assistance

Support for Local Businesses Impacted by Helene

 

If your business has been affected by Hurricane Helene and you're seeking help with recovery, resources are available to assist in restoring your operations or connecting with service providers. The team at VisitGreenvilleSC is here to support our local business community and will work to update this page as we learn of additional resources. 

Local Updates
  • Resource Distribution Site: A distribution center providing bottled water and self-contained meals is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 35 E. Antrim Drive.
  • Medical Needs Shelter: A Medical Needs Shelter is available at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena (650 N Academy St, Greenville, SC 29601) for individuals with electricity-dependent medical conditions and their caregivers. To ensure proper assistance, please contact the SC Department of Public Health in advance at 1-855-472-3432.
  • Damage Reporting: As you begin cleanup efforts, we encourage you to report any damages through the SC Emergency Manager App, available on the App Store and Google Play. This information is vital for damage assessment and requesting federal assistance.
  • Immediate Assistance: For urgent needs, contact the United Way by dialing 211.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
  • Overview: Workers or business owners in the eligible counties who meet the following criteria may be eligible to receive a minimum of $150.00 and up to a maximum of $326.00 per week in DUA benefits.
  • Qualifications: Self-employed individuals and small business owners who lost income due to the disaster. Additional worker and business qualifications are found here. 
  • How to Get Started: Apply & check eligibility on MyBenefits Portal or call 1-866-831-1724. 
  • Learn More
Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund
FEMA Disaster Assistance
  • Overview: Financial help with immediate needs, disaster-related expenses, temporary lodging, home repairs and more that do not have to be repaid.
  • Qualification: Costs that aren’t covered by insurance or other sources like non-profits and other government agencies. 
  • How to Get Started: Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. 
  • Learn More
U.S. Business Administration Disaster Loan (SBA)
  • Overview: Low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters. Here are the types of disaster loans available: 
    • Economic Injury Disaster – Cover operating expenses after a disaster
  • ​Qualification: Businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters & private nonprofit organizations 
  • How to Get Started: Apply online for a disaster loan or call 1-800‐659‐2955 if you have any questions.
  • Learn More
The Meetings Industry Fund
  • Overview: Emergency financial support for basic living necessities not paid for or covered by insurance, any other local or charitable organizations, or government agencies. No repayment is required. 
  • Qualifications: Individuals who are directly involved in the planning, execution, delivery, and support of meetings. 
  • How to Get Started: Fill out the form, and their team will reach out with an answer. 
  • Learn More 
Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Fund
  • Overview: Funding for essentials like groceries, clothing, and medications and have covered the cost of rent, natural disaster damages, lost wages, and more. 
  • Qualifications: You must be experiencing an unforeseen crisis and currently be employed within the food and beverage industry, working at least 30 hours per week for a minimum of six (6) months. 
  • How to Get Started: Learn more about what information you will need and apply online. 
  • Learn More
Giving Kitchen
  • Overview:  Funding for rent and utilities during a time of crisis-related housing disasters, injury, illness or death of a family member. 
  • Qualifications: Food Service Workers in a qualifying crisis 
  • How to Get Started: Ask for help to determine your eligibility. 
  • Learn More
CORE Grant
  • Overview: Financial grants to help with life-altering medical crises, death, injury, or natural disaster.
  • Qualification: Food & beverage service employees with children. See the website for eligibility criteria.
  • How to Get Started: Complete the application online and submit the required paperwork.
  • Learn More
Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program
  • Overview: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and American Express have launched the Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program for small businesses impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Grants can be used for business expenses related to disaster recovery, such as rent, utilities, payroll, inventory, equipment, and infrastructure. 
  • Qualification: The program will provide a $5K grant to 1K selected businesses that meet the eligibility requirements, including but not limited to the following criteria: Located in SBA disaster-declared counties, Financially harmed and cannot cover costs, Have between 1-25 employees, Other Terms and Conditions apply (see more info online)
  • How to Get Started: Registration is now open for eligible small businesses to apply until Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 11:59pm ET. Grants will be distributed in early December.
  • Apply Here
Need Additional Assistance?
Help your Community Recover: See Opportunities to Help Below
  • United Way
    • Donate to the United Way of Greenville County Community Relief Fund. Donate here. 100% of donations will support efforts to get resources into the hands of Greenville County non-profits and families struggling after Hurricane Helene.
  • Palmetto Promise
    • Donate blood – Schedule a donation appointment here.
    • Contribute financially – Consider giving to the Red Cross, the United Way, the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, Catholic Charities USA, Feeding the Carolinas, Harvest Hope Food Bank, or the Salvation Army.
    • Donate Food – Harvest Hope Food Bank is actively collecting donations at their Greenville, Columbia, and Florence locations to provide aid to those impacted by the hurricane. They are specifically seeking donations of the following items: Microwavable pop-top meals, Microwavable pop-top cans of soup, Pop-top canned goods (vegetables, beans), Canned or pouch proteins packed in water (tuna, chicken), and Snack items (granola bars, peanut butter, crackers). Learn more here. 
  • American Red Cross
  • Greer Relief
    • In need of perishable & nonperishable food donations
    • In need of volunteers to receive, sort, pack, and distribute food and assist neighbors in the lobby (113C Berry Ave, Greer)

If you are aware of additional business-specific resources, please email our team with information.

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