Funding & Financial Assistance
- Harmony Smith Foundation Donates $100,000 for Storm Relief
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the Harmony Smith Foundation contributed $100,000 to five local organizations engaged in immediate relief and long-term recovery. Organizations receiving support include the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, The United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, and others. Additionally, more than 100 household items valued at over $50,000 were donated to help citizens rebuild their homes. Read more. (Featured Photo)
- Tanger Outlets Asheville Supports Local Recovery
Tanger Outlets Asheville has reopened with modified hours and is assisting in recovery efforts by offering part of its parking lot as a staging area for frontline workers. Tanger also donated a large drone to help the Asheville Police Department deliver aid to remote locations. Tanger will host its annual Boo Bash on October 27, with family-friendly activities, trick-or-treating, and giveaways. Learn more.
Reopenings
- City of Asheville offices re-opened to the public on Wed. Oct. 23. This does not include City recreation centers.
- Buncombe County Government offices including Health and Human Services at 40 Coxe Ave. in Asheville are open. Currently, the only open parks are Hominy Valley Park and North Buncombe Fields. Buncombe County libraries are open with the exception of three locations – Fairview Library, Oakley Library, and Swannanoa Library.
- City Bakery has reopened Tues-Sat 7:30 am to 12:30 pm with limited menu. They are also collaborating with partners to supply fresh bread for those who need it via Manna Foodbank and Calvary Food Pantry, baking over 1,000 loaves in one week alone.
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris is open again from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day for dine-in and takeaway, featuring a limited menu. They are excited to welcome guests back and continue serving the community. Learn more.
- Emergency Tech Repair
Offering “pay what you can” computer services, Emergency Tech Repair has successfully recovered numerous flood-damaged hard drives. Located just off Patton Ave, they’re ready to assist businesses and residents in need of tech repairs. Learn more.
- Citizen Vinyl
Asheville’s beloved record-pressing plant and vinyl shop, Citizen Vinyl, has reopened its doors. They’re excited to get back to serving the community with music, records, and coffee. Learn more.
- Asheville Museum of Science
AMOS is reopening on October 21 with regular hours. They are offering “pay what you can” admission to help families impacted by the storm. The museum is dedicated to continuing its educational initiatives for kids and families. Learn more.
- Open Restaurants
The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) has compiled a list of businesses opened as of Oct. 14, that is being updated by the Citizen Times. Check it out here!
Happenings
- Small Business Info Session: Recovery Updates by State and Local Officials – October 24, 2024
Local businesses are invited to attend a special recovery info session on October 24, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Mojo Coworking. This session will feature key speakers such as NC Attorney General Josh Stein and NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, who will provide critical updates and resources for reopening and rebuilding. Space is limited—register here.
- Asheville Media Group (AMG) has announced the Rising Together: WNC Hurricane Relief Radiothon. The radiothon is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30 from 6am until 6pm. AMG’s Rising Together: WNC Hurricane Relief Radiothon will encourage local, regional and national participants to donate much needed support to partner organizations offering assistance and hope for Western North Carolina.
- Asheville Boo Bash – October 27, 2024
Tanger Outlets will host a free, family-friendly Boo Bash on Sunday, October 27, from 1–4 p.m. The event will feature center-wide trick-or-treating, inflatables, music, and games. Princesses, superheroes, and fun giveaways will make the day special for all! Learn more.
- Doors Open Downtown Halloween Block Party – October 31, 2024
Join us for a Halloween Block Party in downtown Asheville on October 31, from 4–7 p.m. Enjoy trick-or-treating at local businesses, spooky specials at restaurants, and activities for kids! Pick up a balloon at participating businesses to show you’re open. Learn more.
- Asheville Downtown Association to host Holiday Jamboree at Pack Square Park on Sat. Nov. 23rd. Event will feature performance groups on Pack Square stage. Business and corporate entries will have the opportunity to be listed as sponsors and will be provided a 10×10 booth space. Learn more about participating Sign up by Nov. 1.
Resources
- FEMA, SBA & USDA Release Business Recovery Guide
FEMA, the Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have collaborated to provide a comprehensive recovery guide for businesses impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton. This guide offers details on available federal support, including FEMA grants, SBA loans, and USDA emergency loans. Business owners can access the guide here.
- IRS reminder of taxpayer extensions: North Carolina tax payers will have until May 1, 2025, to file their 2023 returns. For these taxpayers, May 1 will also be the deadline for filing their 2024 returns and paying any tax due. Eligible taxpayers are individuals and businesses affected by various disasters that occurred during the late spring, summer and early fall of this year. For extension filers, payments on the 2023 tax year returns are not eligible for the additional time because they were originally due last spring before any of these disasters occurred. More info
- The City of Asheville will open a Volunteer Reception Center this Saturday, October 26 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at 50 S. French Broad Ave. where people get assigned to a variety of volunteer tasks.
News
- The Buncombe County Board of Elections tonight voted unanimously to approve the polling locations for Election Day, Nov. 5. Residents can view the complete list of sites here. Tropical Storm Helene’s destruction required the county to replace or transfer to another location 17 of the 80 voting sites across the county. Their replacements are listed here
Offerings
- The Super Signguy is helping Western North Carolina businesses announce their reopening by offering small, local businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene free “We’re Open” signs! Get your free sign here.
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Want to share your company’s news in the Business Buzz? Send information and press releases to our Content Specialist, Juliana Walker, at jwalker@ashevillechamber.org.