Venture Asheville announced the launch of Optimist Venture’s entrepreneurial disaster recovery accelerator, a federal small business recovery initiative designed to support Asheville businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.  

The program leverages a Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) award of $855,000 dollars for grants up to $25,000 per business to help stabilize and strengthen local businesses navigating the long-term impacts of the storm. The grant program features structured business acceleration, mentorship, and technical assistance.  

 In addition to each $25,000 grant, funded by the City of Asheville CDBG-DR Program, recipients will be eligible for a $25,000 Shared Profit Agreement (SPA Note) from Optimist Ventures’ for-profit fund. 

Applications open June 15, with the accelerator program launching on August 20. The accelerator is a 12-week in-person cohort based experiential entrepreneurship education program developing founders’ entrepreneurial competencies based off TheE13.com.  

Participating businesses will undergo eligibility and compliance review processes aligned with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements. 

Eligible uses of funds may include payroll support, inventory replacement, equipment repair or replacement, working capital, lease obligations, professional services, and other approved business stabilization expenses tied to disaster recovery needs. 

“Disasters don’t just damage buildings — they disrupt livelihoods, entrepreneurial momentum, and long-term economic mobility,” said Jeffrey Kaplan, CEO of Optimist Ventures. “Our goal is not simply to help businesses survive in the short term, but to build the systems, support networks, and operational resilience that allow local entrepreneurs to recover and thrive over the long haul.” 

“The launch of Optimist Ventures Accelerator represents a key implementation strategy within the AVL 5x5 Strategic Plan for Economic Recovery, connecting storm-impacted businesses with technical assistance, mentorship, and accessible capital at a time it is needed most,”  shared Clark Duncan, Executive Director of the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County.  “Sustainable economic recovery begins with the confidence, resilience, and risk-taking of local entrepreneurs willing to invest in our economic future.”  

The accelerator places a strong emphasis on inclusive economic recovery and workforce outcomes. The program includes: 

• $25,000 in eligible grant funding 

• Exclusive access to $25,000 in eligible SPA Note 

• Structured business recovery planning 

• Entrepreneurial training and mentorship based on The 13 Entrepreneurial Competencies  

• Long-term ecosystem connectivity and peer learning  

“Asheville’s business community has shown tremendous resilience since the storm, and these grants will help provide additional support as businesses continue their recovery efforts,” said Mayor Esther Manheimer. "Investing in our small businesses and entrepreneurs is critical to Asheville’s recovery, and we are thankful for the collaborations that made this program possible.” 

The program is intentionally designed to function as both a disaster recovery initiative and a long-term economic development strategy. 

“This model sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship, public accountability, and regional resilience,” Kaplan said. “We believe recovery funding should not only repair damage, but strengthen the long-term economic fabric of our communities.” 

Applications open on June 15 and will remain open through July 17, with finalist presentations taking place August 3-6 and final selections announced August 7. 

For more information about eligibility, timelines, and application materials, visit: 
optimistventures.co.

Source: Venture Asheville.