Program Overview
The Asheville Downtown Association Foundation (ADAF), in partnership with the Duke Energy Foundation, is offering $22,500 in mini-grant funding to support small businesses along Coxe Avenue as they prepare for significant disruptions associated with upcoming construction.
The program is intended to help businesses proactively address anticipated challenges related to customer access, visibility, and daily operations, while strengthening their ability to remain resilient throughout the construction period.
Grant awards will range from $1,500 to $5,000 per business, with final award amounts determined by the number of eligible applications received and available funding.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for funding, businesses must meet all of the following criteria:
- Location: Must be physically located on Coxe Avenue between Patton Avenue and Southside Avenue in Downtown Asheville.
- Business Type: Must operate as a ground-floor, customer-facing establishment.
- Length of Operation: Must have been operating at a Coxe Avenue location for at least one year as of October 31, 2026.
- Active Operations: Must be an active, operating business at the time of application.
- Construction Impact: Must reasonably anticipate impacts to business operations, customer access, visibility, or revenue resulting from upcoming construction along Coxe Avenue.
Businesses that do not meet all eligibility requirements will not be considered for funding.
Eligible Uses of Funding
Grant funding is intended to help businesses prepare for and navigate anticipated construction-related disruptions. Potential uses include:
- Marketing, advertising, and customer outreach to maintain visibility and encourage patronage.
- Signage, wayfinding, or other customer access improvements.
Business operational needs related to anticipated construction disruptions.
- Customer engagement initiatives and promotional activities.
- Other investments that support business continuity and resilience during construction.
Applicants will be asked to briefly describe how the funding would benefit their business.
Application & Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by representatives of the Asheville Downtown Association and Asheville Downtown Association Foundation boards.
Funding decisions will consider eligibility, anticipated construction impacts, demonstrated need, and the proposed use of funds.
Grant awards will range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the number of eligible applications received. Funding is limited, and submission of an application does not guarantee an award.
Program Timeline
November 11, 2026: Applications open
November 25, 2026: Application deadline
Late November – Early December: Application review
December 10, 2026: Award decisions
Week of December 14, 2026: Applicants notified of award decisions
December 2026: Grant funds distributed
Additional Information
This program is made possible through the generous support of the Duke Energy Foundation and is administered by the Asheville Downtown Association Foundation.
Funding is independent of any construction mitigation assistance provided by the City of Asheville.