Asheville Grants Optimist Ventures $855,000, Extending Helene Recovery Program Through 2028
Updated
Updated · WLOS · Jun 27
Asheville Grants Optimist Ventures $855,000, Extending Helene Recovery Program Through 2028
1 articles · Updated · WLOS · Jun 27
Summary
$855,000 in Asheville disaster-recovery funds will keep Optimist Ventures' accelerator running through 2028 for entrepreneurs hit by Hurricane Helene.
The award lets the program add two more cohorts beyond its planned 2026 end date, bringing support to 40 additional companies.
French Broad Pastry owner Dune Pierre Michel said the 12-week program helped after tourism and farmers market sales collapsed; he received a $25,000 grant and a separate $25,000 investment.
That funding paid for a delivery van and large freezer, helping the bakery expand wholesale business, reduce reliance on seasonal markets and grow to 25 employees.
Applications for the next cohort close July 17 as Asheville continues using federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery money to shore up local businesses.