Businesses of all sizes and industries across Western North Carolina are encouraged to respond to a new collaborative survey (available in English and Spanish) facilitated by Riverbird Research on the impacts of Hurricane Helene on their business.
Any business with a presence in Western North Carolina can take the survey. This includes businesses in any industry and of all sizes (from solopreneurs to national/international companies with operations in WNC) as well as businesses that may have closed post-Helene.
“By taking the time to respond to this survey, WNC business owners can have a voice in describing the depth and breadth of challenges affecting their business, their employees, and their customers,” said EDPNC’s CEO, Christopher Chung. He added “As the state’s partner in supporting existing companies and counseling small business, this information is crucial to informing the next steps forward in Washington and Raleigh.”
This collaborative survey is in partnership with the EDPNC, Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, and Explore Asheville to support business recovery efforts across Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. The General Assembly has tasked the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) with conducting a business loss and needs assessment to help inform federal and state policy for relief and recovery, as local agencies and partners work together across Western North Carolina to address immediate and long-term business needs.
“Understanding on-the-ground needs of the business community is key to shaping recovery efforts,” said Heidi Reiber, Senior Director of Research at Riverbird Research, a division of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Input from employers across Western North Carolina will inform relief and recovery efforts throughout the regional economy.”
To respond to the survey, visit www.ashevillechamber.org/helenesurvey. Respondents will have the option to enter a drawing for a $500 Visa gift card provided by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Written by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.