Today, Governor Josh Stein visited the Town of Clyde to discuss the Small Business Infrastructure Grant program. During his visit, he met with small business owners to highlight their role in the local economy.
“Western North Carolina is open for business, and I am grateful to see exciting new development activity in downtowns across the region,” stated Governor Stein. “The Department of Commerce has awarded Clyde a Small Business Infrastructure Grant to enhance its sidewalks, curb appeal, and downtown parking. This investment will strengthen local commerce and allow more people to rediscover what makes western North Carolina unforgettable.”
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley added, “This recovery project for the Town of Clyde will repair the sidewalk so folks can more easily walk in the downtown business district. Getting people back downtown will speed recovery as we welcome residents and visitors back to Clyde.”
Clyde has received $737,477 for its Downtown Clyde Commercial Business District Repair Project. The Small Business Infrastructure grant program was launched in March by Governor Stein and the North Carolina Department of Commerce. It is a $55 million initiative that allows local governments to apply for up to $1 million to rebuild public infrastructure impacting access to small businesses. The program is funded by state resources allocated by the North Carolina General Assembly through the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part 1.
Governor Stein and VisitNC are also promoting a new tourism campaign called “Rediscover the Unforgettable” during this summer season. This initiative aims to attract tourists to western North Carolina and is available for use by local chambers of commerce, tourism boards, and small businesses.
