2025 Local Business Impact Survey

Road to Recovery Update

When Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina last fall, it disrupted nearly every small business across the region. According to the 2025 Local Business Impact Survey (LBIS), with responses from more than 700 local entrepreneurs, a staggering 96% of small businesses were affected. Now, nearly a year later, the survey data offers insights into the state of recovery today.

August 20, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Virtual

Join Mountain BizWorks’ Executive Director Matt Raker

for a deep dive into the survey results.

Key Takeaways

The Good News:

WNC is Open for Business!

After 83% of businesses had to close at least temporarily due to Helene, 93% of surveyed small businesses are now open, with many of the remaining 7% expecting to resume operations in 2025. There is also strong entrepreneurial activity with 153 respondents reporting starting a new business in the last year.

The Challenging News:

There’s a Long Way to Go.

86% of businesses reported they are still earning at or below pre-Helene levels, and half are more than 20% below their pre-storm revenue.

These numbers highlight both the tenacity of our local entrepreneurs and the ongoing need for targeted support to help them come back stronger.

The Path Forward:

Business Owners Outline Long-Term Recovery Priorities

• Business Recovery Capital is Critical: many small businesses are still struggling and urgently need relief funding to meet payroll, restock inventory, and stabilize revenue. Grants, forgivable loans, and more patient terms for existing recovery loans were all prioritized.
• Pressing Need for Commercial Space: affordable commercial space was limited pre-Helene and is now a crisis with so many displaced businesses. Lack of availability of affordable, upfitted commercial space is delaying recovery; collaborative solutions and funding are needed.
• Regional Tourism Recovery & Changing the Narrative is Key: WNC businesses have largely reopened but far too many potential visitors still think WNC is devastated. An ongoing coordinated investment in tourism recovery that highlights our unique local businesses and voices is essential.

These are just a few highlights of what local entrepreneurs reported, and we’re grateful to each business owner who shared their challenges and hopes. Read the full 2025 Local Business Impact Report to dive deeper into the data, feedback, and solutions shaping Western North Carolina’s path forward.

Continued Support and Resources to Recover Forward

The recovery journey doesn’t end with reopening, and you don’t have to go it alone. We can connect you with the tools, capital, and connections you need.

Peer-Learning Programs, Built Around What You Told Us You Need Most

This fall, explore hands-on courses designed to help you tackle key areas like: marketing, financial management, and recovery.

Access Flexible, Affordable Recovery Capital

The WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund is here to help entrepreneurs stabilize and grow through this critical season. Funding is available through September 30, 2025, and can be used for payroll, cash flow, marketing, repairs, and more.

Want to be Part of the Recovery?

Join us to ensure that small businesses across the region have the resources and support to thrive again.