Hurricane Helene's Impact on the WNC Small Business Community: Damage, Recovery, and the Long Road Ahead

Introduction

Hurricane Helene delivered a devastating blow to Western North Carolina’s

entrepreneurial ecosystem, upending businesses, damaging infrastructure,

and disrupting livelihoods. This study—conducted by the Western Women’s

Business Center (WWBC) and Carolina Small Business Development Fund

(CSBDF)—documents the significant personal and professional challenges

faced by 139 small business owners in the aftermath of the storm.

Entrepreneurs, many of whom operate in service-based industries and rural

communities, reported significant drops in revenue, temporary closures, and

widespread infrastructure failures. Despite these hardships, the region’s

small business owners demonstrated remarkable resilience and an ardent

commitment to rebuilding their businesses and communities.

Entrepreneurs outlined pressing needs—such as grant funding—and

highlighted their roles as volunteers, caregivers, and community leaders, even

while facing personal losses and uncertain business prospects. The report’s

findings reflect the enduring strength of the WNC small business community

and underscore the critical importance of targeted relief and long-term

investment in the region.

Read the report:

Recent Posts