ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The Asheville Downtown Association said downtown businesses are relying on people from around Western North Carolina to show their support as they begin to reopen after Helene.
FEMA reports that 40% of businesses don’t reopen after a disaster, which is a statistic that groups such as the Asheville Downtown Association and Explore Asheville are trying to prevent.
In response, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority has opened applications for their Always Asheville fund, which gives grants to businesses affected by Helene in Buncombe County.
Hayden Plemmons, Asheville Downtown Association Director, and the Downtown Association are planning events to bring customers in.
SEE ALSO | Kitchen counter was safest option for WNC siblings, cat Pumpkin as Helene destroyed house, property
A remarkable story of survival in Western North Carolina. Triplets survived Hurricane Helene as flood water surrounded their home and rushed into their house prompting them to think and react fast.
“We are really excited to launch …