Company to support small businesses and local
business development organizations to expedite funding and
accelerate economic recovery after Hurricane Helene
MOORESVILLE, N.C., Nov. 13,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As Lowe's continues to address
the urgent and evolving community needs in the wake of Hurricane
Helene, the company today launched the Lowe's Western North
Carolina Small Business Recovery Fund. 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 urgent needs, such as payroll, rent or
replacing equipment or tools. The fund will award 100 $20,000 grants, a $2
million investment in area small businesses. A large portion
of Western North Carolina's
economy relies on small businesses that support the region's
thriving tourism, agriculture and artisan industries.
"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), the nation's largest community development
organization. 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.
Lowe's support of small businesses in Western North Carolina extends beyond the
recovery fund. The company will host local events throughout the
week of Thanksgiving – traditionally one of the busiest for small
businesses – with the goal of helping impacted restaurants and
artisans.
On Tuesday, Nov. 26, Lowe's will
distribute 3,000 family-style 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.
On Small Business Saturday, Nov.
30, Lowe's of West
Asheville will host a Holiday Pop-Up for local artisans
impacted by flooding in Asheville's famous River Arts District.
Participating artisans will receive $1,000 grants to help replenish their supplies
and inventory, along with a table and tent at the event to sell
both existing pieces and commissions. The event will run from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include food
trucks, children's activities and more.
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. Donations have also
supported first responders and local nonprofits, including a
$750,000 grant to help Asheville
Buncombe Community Christian Ministry rebuild its veterans housing
facility. In addition, hundreds of Lowe's red vest volunteers
deployed alongside nonprofit partners to support cleanup efforts,
helping to clear mud and debris across Western North Carolina.
Visit Lowe's Newsroom for updates on Lowe's relief and recovery
efforts. For cleanup, repair and rebuilding support, visit
Lowes.com.
About Lowe's
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home
improvement company serving approximately 16 million customer
transactions a week in the United
States. With total fiscal year 2023 sales of more than
$86 billion, Lowe's operates over
1,700 home improvement stores and employs approximately 300,000
associates. Based in Mooresville,
N.C., Lowe's supports the communities it serves through
programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping
to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. For more
information, visit Lowes.com.
Media Contact
Laurel Waller
Lowe's Companies, Inc.
Laurel.Waller@lowes.com
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SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.