Asheville, North Carolina, August 5, 2025
News Summary
Small businesses in Western North Carolina are facing ongoing challenges as they recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. A recent survey indicated that while 93% of businesses have reopened, 86% are still earning less than before the storm, with average losses exceeding $300,000. Many business owners are seeking support through flexible funding and improvements to infrastructure. Local businesses contributed significantly to community recovery efforts, highlighting resilience and the spirit of collaboration in the wake of adversity.
Asheville, North Carolina – A recent survey by Mountain BizWorks highlights the struggles of small businesses in Western North Carolina, which are still recovering from the damaging effects of Hurricane Helene six months after the disaster. According to the 2025 Local Business Impact Survey, over 700 business owners across 23 counties responded, revealing that while 93% of surveyed businesses have reopened, 86% are earning less than before the storm.
The survey disclosed that 96% of those small businesses were impacted by Hurricane Helene, with the average loss exceeding $300,000 in economic and physical damages. Significant disruptions occurred, including power, water, and internet outages, affecting two-thirds of businesses, and 83% had to temporarily close their doors.
The importance of understanding the recovery status and future needs of these businesses was emphasized by the strategic partnership manager at Mountain BizWorks. While the reopening of businesses is a positive step, it does not signify complete recovery. Many business owners have expressed ongoing challenges, including the need for flexible and forgivable funding, affordable commercial spaces, and essential infrastructure improvements.
Local businesses played a pivotal role in community recovery, with 80% of them contributing to relief efforts by providing food, organizing clean-up activities, or offering spaces for donated goods. This demonstrates not only resilience but also a strong sense of community impact in the months following the hurricane.
Transportation access is being restored with Greyhound bus service set to resume in Asheville on August 1. This will rekindle direct connections to significant cities such as Raleigh and Charlotte. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is relaunching the service, recognizing the importance of reliable transportation for residents.
In parallel, Asheville City Council has approved five contracts for a $66 million investment focused on improving the city’s aging water infrastructure. This shift from reliance on the Army Corps of Engineers for emergency filtration systems aims to enhance resilience and ensure daily water service reliability, significantly challenged by the storm. The contracts involve the installation of temporary filtration units and the design of permanent pre-filtration systems to mitigate future service disruptions.
Asheville city officials estimate that a long-term investment of over $250 million will be required for complete system upgrades. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is anticipated to cover between 90% and 100% of the temporary filtration operation costs, with additional funding potentially available from the EPA and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
Along with the infrastructure recovery efforts, major road repairs and restoration of recreational facilities damaged by Hurricane Helene are being addressed. A strategic economic recovery plan is in the works to diversify and strengthen the regional economy against future disasters, as total damage from the hurricane across the state is estimated at a staggering $60 billion, nearly double North Carolina’s annual budget.
Community members are aware of the ongoing economic recovery challenges, particularly high unemployment rates and the impact on small businesses; reports indicate that 21 restaurants have either closed or not reopened. Nevertheless, there is a strong sense of resilience and mutual aid that has developed in the aftermath of this disaster, demonstrating the community’s spirit in facing these challenges together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of small businesses in Western North Carolina have reopened?
93% of surveyed small businesses have reopened after Hurricane Helene.
What challenges are businesses currently facing?
86% of businesses report earning less than before the storm, indicating ongoing financial challenges.
How much economic loss did small businesses experience on average?
The average loss in economic and physical damage exceeded $300,000.
What role did local businesses play in community recovery?
80% of small businesses contributed to community recovery efforts through food provision and organizing clean-up activities.
When is the Greyhound bus service in Asheville set to resume?
The Greyhound bus service is set to resume on August 1.
What is the total estimated damage from Hurricane Helene in North Carolina?
The total damage from Hurricane Helene is estimated at $60 billion.
Key Features of Small Business Recovery Post-Hurricane Helene
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reopening Rate | 93% of businesses have reopened. |
| Average Economic Loss | Over $300,000. |
| Financial Struggles | 86% earning less than pre-storm levels. |
| Community Contributions | 80% participated in recovery efforts. |
| Greyhound Service Resumption | August 1, providing connections to key cities. |
| Total Damage Estimation | Approximately $60 billion across North Carolina. |
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Additional Resources
- ABC11: NCDOT Resumes Intercity Bus Service
- WLOS: Asheville Invests in Water Infrastructure
- Carolina Journal: Asheville Mayor Update
- NBC News: Asheville Struggles After Hurricane Helene
- Goldsboro Daily News: NCDOT Restores Bus Service
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene (2024)
- Google Search: Asheville Hurricane Helene
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
