Asheville, N.C. – A Community Comes Together
In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city of Asheville, known for its vibrant arts scene and rich history, is stepping up in a big way to support local businesses that have been hit hard by the recent Hurricane Helene. With the establishment of the Always Asheville Fund, the community is rallying to ensure that small, independent travel and hospitality businesses can recover and thrive.
What is the Always Asheville Fund?
The Always Asheville Fund was created by Explore Asheville to provide emergency grants specifically aimed at helping local businesses maintain their vitality in the face of adversity. A recent release highlights that a staggering 40 percent of small businesses do not reopen after a disaster, and this initiative is designed to change that unsettling statistic for the entrepreneurs of Asheville and Buncombe County.
Support When It Matters Most
With the recovery from Hurricane Helene still in its early stages, the need for community support has never been more pressing. Vic Isley, the President and CEO of Explore Asheville, expressed the organization’s commitment to the livelihoods of small business owners in the area. He stated, “We are committed to supporting the livelihood and vitality of Asheville’s small business owners.” This sentiment echoes the overall goal of the fund: to ensure that the unique stories of local entrepreneurs continue to shape the future of the community.
A Strong Foundation for Recovery
Explore Asheville has pledged a substantial $300,000 from its earned revenue to kickstart the Always Asheville Fund. The organization boasts years of experience in grant administration, which means they can expedite aid directly to those affected by the hurricane. This quick-response capability is crucial for small businesses that need immediate financial assistance to stay afloat.
Concert for Carolina
As part of the recovery effort, the community will also see the Concert for Carolina, a benefit event featuring an impressive lineup of artists including Luke Combs and James Taylor. Presented by Explore Asheville, this concert aims to raise funds to further support hurricane relief efforts, with the organization committing $1 million to the cause. The concert is scheduled for October 26 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, and all proceeds from the event will go directly to helping those impacted by the storm.
Building a Resilient Future
Since 2001, Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority have committed $96 million in grants to over 50 community projects. Additionally, the Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund has provided $5 million in grants to nearly 400 small travel and hospitality businesses, helping them reopen following the pandemic. This long-standing commitment to community wellbeing highlights the organization’s dedication to restoring jobs and economic stability.
Join the Effort
The initiative goes beyond mere financial assistance; it fosters a sense of togetherness that helps strengthen the local spirit. Isley remarked, “The purpose of these initiatives is to ensure our community has the jobs and financial opportunities to thrive.” He believes that, with the right support, Asheville will emerge from this challenging time stronger and even more vibrant than before.
The Road Ahead
The spirit of Asheville is built on resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of community. As it faces the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the collective action surrounding the Always Asheville Fund exemplifies how a community can come together to support its own. With active involvement from local leaders, entrepreneurs, and residents, Asheville is on a promising path to recovery, ready to welcome visitors back to its magical mountains and vibrant culture with open arms.
