Feb. 2025 Survey Summary
In February 2025, a coordinated survey was launched by regional partners to better understand the storm’s effects from the perspective of businesses and to highlight pressing needs within the business community. More than 1,100 responses were collected from businesses of all sizes, industries and ownership types across the region.
This survey was facilitated by Riverbird Research in partnership with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (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 tasked the 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.
Released on April 2, 2025, the survey responses report provides a snapshot of ongoing conditions and challenges. Key findings pointed to continued financial strain, uneven operational recovery and persistent issues related to customer demand and physical damage. Ninety percent of respondents projected revenue loss, and over 30% estimated losses of 51% or more.
Despite these challenges, the survey responses also highlighted a discernible degree of resilience. Many businesses remained fully operational since the storm’s landfall in September 2024, even while continuing to experience its effects. Others were in various stages of recovery and adaptation.
Riverbird Research notes the majority of respondents were small businesses with fewer than 25 employees—reflecting the general makeup of the regional economy and underscoring the importance of targeted, flexible recovery support. While 70% reported not being located in flood zones, infrastructure damage such as road closures, outages and debris created additional barriers to operations. The widespread impact, even among businesses outside designated flood zones, highlights the importance of considering broader exposure and evolving risk in future planning.
In addition to assessing business conditions and impacts, the survey revealed opportunities for outreach, education, and shared learning. Some respondents expressed interest in learning from others who have navigated similar challenges—suggesting the potential for community-building through shared recovery strategies and success stories.
In alignment with the AVL 5×5 Strategic Plan for Economic Recovery, the findings from this report are intended to provide insight and feedback to support decision-making, programming, and long-term recovery—strengthening both the WNC economy and regional resilience moving forward.
