Economic Recovery Center
On July 6, 2025, Tropical Storm Chantal brought flash flooding to Chapel Hill, leaving behind damaged storefronts, nearly 200 flooded vehicles, and up to five feet of water in businesses like those at Eastgate Crossing and University Place. Local business owners and residents have spent months in cleanup and recovery mode, supported by volunteers, restoration crews, and emergency services.
This webpage is designed to serve as a resource guide for business owners and managers impacted by the July 6th flooding.
For Impacted Business Owners
Disaster Recovery and Resilience Grant
APPLICATIONS OPEN! The Chamber for A Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, through it’s Charitable Partnership for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro and with a lead gift from the Duke Energy Foundation and support from AT&T, is offering small grants to small businesses impacted by flooding from Tropical Storm Chantal (July 2025).
Grant Amount
$500 – $2,500 per business
Who Is Eligible
Priority will be given to businesses located in the most heavily impacted areas, including:
- Eastgate Shopping Center/Blue Hill District (Chapel Hill)
- South Estes Drive/University Place Area (Chapel Hill)
- South Green (Carrboro)
Eligibility requirements include:
- Small businesses with 50 or fewer employees
- Locally owned and operating a brick and mortar location in Chapel Hill or Carrboro
- Experienced physical damage or operational disruption due to Tropical Storm Chantal
- Currently open and operating (not permanently closed)
Eligible Uses of Funds
Grant funds may be used for flood-related recovery and improvements that increase resiliency, including:
- Storm damage repairs and renovations
- Equipment or inventory replacement
- Technology replacement or upgrades
- Flood mitigation improvements (e.g., drainage improvements, elevated storage, backup power, flood barriers)
Priority will be given to resiliency improvements in preparation for future flooding.
Employee compensation is not an eligible expense.
Timeline
March 11 – March 27
Application Period Open
Applications must be submitted during this window.
March 29 – April 3
Applications reviewed by Grant Review Committee and applicants notified.
April 5 – April 10
Grant agreements finalized and funds distributed to approved businesses.
Beginning April 12 and Ongoing
Award recipients may be asked to provide brief follow-up information to document how funds were used and the impact on their business.
How Applications Are Reviewed
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Demonstrated flood impact
- Proposed recovery and resiliency improvements
- Potential economic impact, including job retention
A public/private review committee will oversee the selection process.
Application
Please submit your application using the Google Form linked below. We recommend drafting your responses in a separate document and then copying and pasting them into the form before submitting to avoid losing your work.
Businesses will need to submit a W-9 if awarded a relief grant.
By submitting this application, you certify that your business sustained damage or flooding as a result of Tropical Storm Chantal and that any awarded funds will be used exclusively for eligible storm-related recovery and resiliency expenses.
We are committed to helping our business community rebuild stronger and look forward to supporting you through this next chapter!
Disaster Loan Applications
An Administrative Declaration of a Disaster for the State of North Carolina was officially issued as of July 25. The following areas were determined to be adversely affected by the disaster:
- Primary Counties: Durham, Orange.
- Contiguous Counties: Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Granville, Person, Wake
Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal. The deadline for Economic Injury filing is April 27, 2026.
See information pertaining to types of loans available, interest rates, eligibility, and more here.
Watch our recorded session on filing insurance claims after Chantal with representatives from ASKLaw NC:
Flooding Information Quick Links
Chapel Hill Flood Insurance and Maps
Carrboro Floodplain Management
Orange County Floodplain Protection
Town of Chapel Hill Re-Opening Guide
Click here to view the Town of Chapel Hill's Re-Opening Guide which details town processes and contacts for Orange County Health and utility providers.
Small Business Disaster Recovery Steps
1. Assess and Document the Damage
As soon as it is safe, inspect and document all damage to your property, equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Take thorough photographs and videos, and write detailed notes about the damage. This documentation is essential when filing insurance claims or applying for disaster assistance. Be as specific and organized as possible to ensure nothing is overlooked.
2. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Once you’ve documented the damage, contact your insurance company to begin the claims process. Provide your documentation and ask for a clear explanation of the next steps. Stay proactive with follow-up communications and confirm that all necessary paperwork has been submitted correctly to avoid delays in receiving compensation.
3. Register with FEMA
FEMA can provide financial and logistical support to affected businesses and individuals. You can register online at www.fema.gov, by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or via TTY at 1-800-462-7285 for those with speech or hearing impairments.
4. Apply for SBA Disaster Assistance
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to help businesses repair or replace damaged property, equipment, and inventory. These loans can also be used for operating expenses during the recovery period. Learn more and apply at sba.gov/disaster or call 1-800-659-2956. SBA also works with FEMA and local partners to support Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) and Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs).
5. Explore Bridge Loans or Rapid Recovery Loans
Bridge loans can provide short-term financial relief while you wait for insurance claims or long-term assistance to be processed. When local or state lending organizations make these funds available, information will be posted here.
6. Communicate with Suppliers
Reach out to your suppliers as soon as possible to let them know about the disaster. Discuss how it may impact your orders, deliveries, and payment schedules. Suppliers may be able to offer temporary adjustments or flexible terms to help you resume operations more quickly.
7. Contact Lenders and Creditors
Notify your banks and other creditors about the disaster’s impact on your business. Many financial institutions offer disaster relief programs such as loan deferment, payment restructuring, or reduced interest rates to help businesses manage financial strain during recovery.
8. Get Free Help from the NC Small Business Center Network (SBCN)
The North Carolina Small Business Center Network provides free one-on-one counseling, recovery planning assistance, and help navigating loan or grant applications. They can also refer you to other essential resources and offer seminars to support your long-term business recovery. To schedule an appointment, visit www.ncsbc.net.
Employee Protection
- Business interruption insurance may be able to help cover employee wages while you are unable to operate
- If you anticipate being closed for an extended period of time, you may need to lay off your employees so they can qualify for unemployment benefits. Advise your employees to visit the NC Division of Employment Security website to create a MyNCUIBenefits account and file a claim.
- Encourage your employees to visit the Orange County Recovery Assistance Center for additional resources and support
Insurance Claims
Quick Links:
Starting Your Recovery After a Flood | FEMA.gov
Flood Insurance | NC DOI
The National Flood Insurance Program
The Ins and Outs of NFIP Commercial Coverage
Business Commercial Flood Insurance FAQs
What to know about starting a flood insurance claim:
• Start your flood insurance claim as soon as possible after a flood
• An insurance adjuster will come to your property to view your flood damage and create a claim estimate
• It can take 4-8 weeks before a claim is finalized and paid
• If your claim is denied, you can work with your insurance agent or appeal to FEMA
Steps to start and complete a flood insurance claim
It doesn't matter if you've experienced just a few inches of flood water or a few feet. Starting a flood insurance claim quickly gets you the help you need to recover.
Start a claim with your insurance provider
Report the flood and your loss to your insurance provider as soon as possible. They'll partner you with an insurance adjuster who will inspect your property after you file your claim.
Document your flood-damaged property
Take photos and videos of your flood-damaged belongings and property. Write down or take photos of the make, model and serial number for appliances and electronics.
Begin clean-up
Keep samples of flood-damaged items like carpet, flooring and curtains. Then, throw out items that could pose health risks. Do all you can to prevent the growth and spread of mold which NFIP policies do not cover.
Meet with your flood insurance adjuster
When you meet your insurance adjuster, ask to see their Flood Control Number card. Their card will have their picture and be dated for the current storm year. Your adjuster will prepare a damage estimate for your review, so be sure to review it carefully to ensure it's accurate and complete.
Start repairs
You may choose to start repairs before you've received your claim payment, but talk to your agent or adjuster before signing a contract with a cleaning or maintenance contractor.
Receive your flood claim payment
How much money you receive is based on your policy's coverage and the documentation you give your adjuster. It can take four to eight weeks before your claim is finalized and paid. If you have a mortgage, the claim check will be written to you and your mortgage company.
Recovery Resources
