Western Piedmont offers businesses a helping hand with Business Disaster Recovery Relief Center

Local businesses devastated by Hurricane Helene are getting a lifeline from Western Piedmont Community College, which is launching a new recovery center to help them get back on their feet.

The Business Disaster Recovery Relief Center is providing a physical location and support to three businesses in the community college’s K Building.

“WPCC is excited to work through our Small Business Center to help businesses in our area recover after Hurricane Helene,” said Dr. Joel Welch, president of WPCC.

Spearheaded by Lily Laramie, director of WPCC’s Small Business Center, the initiative will offer essential resources — including office equipment, internet access, and expert counseling — to businesses most in need. The center is now accepting applications. One of three available slots is already filled.

“So many have had their livelihoods negatively affected and we are making the community in Western Piedmont Community College central to who we are as we work to support their path forward,” Welch said.

Laramie said businesses unable to operate due to the disaster will be prioritized. According to Laramie, the relief center is set to last six months, at which time the college will determine whether to continue the program.

Accepted businesses will have access to an office with a desktop computer and phone, internet, a lobby area, conference room, and break room. The location will also be a staging area for triage counseling for impacted businesses.

Selected businesses will have access to the facility from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for three months with the possibility of a three-month extension. Businesses moving out after the first three-month period are encouraged to submit a seven-day notice so its spot can be offered to another operation needing assistance.

Four guest counselors and Laramie will assist business owners.

“Each of the guest counselors has a different area of expertise. I have someone that does HR, social media, legal assistance, and marketing,” Laramie said.

“The WPCC Business Recovery Relief Center is a beacon to all businesses in Western North Carolina who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene,” Laramie said. “We’re here to help no matter the extent of your needs.”

The college is currently accepting applications for businesses to participate in the program. Services through the SBC are offered at no cost to businesses.

According to Laramie, the relief center has the opportunity to expand to more offices in the building with the approval from WPCC. Laramie is also working on an initiative to expand the program to day-use spaces at MoCo, located at 301 W. Meeting St. in downtown Morganton.

Businesses interested in applying for the Business Disaster Recovery Relief Center are encouraged to apply at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7GLxmWZ_WOLztnoxRmlYceJbUvPRFjjNoumX2JjfbuAcrgw/viewform?pli=1.