MAY 26, 2022  

3 IMPORTANT DEADLINES NEXT WEEK

MAY 31: Deadline to Participate in the WNC 'State of Our Workforce' Survey

Many businesses and organizations in our community are challenged to fill job openings. Workforce and economic development partners across the region are joining together to find solutions. You can help inform their efforts by participating in a 15-minute survey, The State of Our Workforce: Western NC, which is designed to:

• Inform policymakers and stakeholders about workforce development challenges in our region and across the state  
• Help address both short-term and long-term hiring needs
• Support development of a wide, diverse talent pipeline spanning cradle to career

May 31 is the deadline to participate. Those who complete the survey can choose to be entered to win gifts and experiences from WNC makers and businesses.

JUNE 1: Deadline to Apply for a Business Recovery COVID Relief Grant

Businesses that suffered economic loss of at least 20% during the pandemic may be eligible for up to $500,000 through the Business Recovery Grant program administered by the NC Dept. of Revenue. Businesses and organizations in hospitality, arts, entertainment, retail, and recreation as well as service providers such as tour guides, massage therapists, and farmers may be eligible, even if you received other types of relief, including a grant from the program during Phase 1 earlier this year.

June 1 is the deadline to apply.

JUNE 1: Deadline for Tourism Product Development Fund Phase I Applications

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, through the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF), has invested more than $44 million in support of 39 community projects since 2001 – from greenways, parks and soccer fields to culture, heritage, the visual and performing arts, and iconic places and spaces like the WNC Nature Center, NC Arboretum, YMI Cultural Center and WNC Farmers Market.

The 2022 grant cycle for the fund, which comes from a portion of the lodging tax paid by visitors, is underway, with awards to be announced this fall. Buncombe County nonprofits and municipal partners are invited to apply. See an overview of the timeline, policies, requirements & criteria here.

June 1 at 5 p.m. is the deadline for Phase I applications.