Venture Asheville’s Optimist Ventures Launches Disaster Recovery Accelerator Supporting Asheville Small Businesses
Federal Recovery Program Combines Capital Access, Entrepreneurial Training, and Business Stabilization Support Following Tropical Storm Helene
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — 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 5×5 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:
“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:
www.optimistventures.co
About Optimist Ventures
Optimist Ventures is Asheville’s venture-philanthropy fund and entrepreneurial accelerator. Powered by Venture Asheville, the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville Buncombe County and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Optimist Ventures is designed to help long-term ambitious ventures based in Western North Carolina succeed by offering start-up funding and education. The Optimist Ventures model blends grants and private investment into Venture Philanthropy. The program’s approach is grounded in practical technology, sustainable growth and community-forward economic development. Learn more at www.optimistventures.co.
About the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County
The Economic Development Coalition (EDC) for Asheville-Buncombe County is a public-private partnership committed to: creating and retaining high quality jobs, community leadership and being a resource for better business decisions. The EDC accomplishes this mission through its five core services: business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship, marketing and recruitment, workforce development and Riverbird Research. The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the AVL 5×5 Campaign. For more information, visit www.ashevillechamber.org/economic-development.
About the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
For more than 125 years, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has been the catalyst for economic vitality in our community. Asheville Chamber initiatives have stimulated economic development, influenced public policy and supported the growth of thousands of local and regional businesses.
About the City of Asheville
The City of Asheville is dedicated to fostering a resilient and thriving community through public services, strategic planning, and economic growth initiatives. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Asheville is recognized for its dynamic small business environment and flourishing creative sector. In partnership with local organizations and stakeholders, the City continues to advance recovery initiatives while promoting sustainable economic opportunities for the future. To learn more, visit the City of Asheville website. For additional information about the City’s CDBG-DR programs, visit AshevilleRecovers.org.