Supporting Asheville from Near & Far

With the recovery efforts from the devastation of Hurricane Helene still on-going, we wanted to share some important campaigns and resources for local residents and tourists alike.
We are #AshevilleStrong

Love Asheville From Afar

Local, independent businesses are the heart of Asheville, home to growers who are also artists and artists whose work blossoms. Here, you’ll find thought leaders and thought provokers, musicians and storytellers, entrepreneurs and educators, foodies and beer lovers, hippies and healers, adventurers, creators, and innovators. We craft, brew, paint, and carve—each creation handcrafted by real hands. Hands that sometimes need a helping hand. And a hug.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, many beloved Asheville and Buncombe County businesses have been deeply affected by the storm. While the community comes together to rebuild, you can lend a helping hand from afar by shopping at these businesses’ online stores or contributing to fundraising efforts.

Always Asheville Fund

Explore Asheville, 501(c)(6) nonprofit, has established the Always Asheville Fund to help small independent travel and hospitality businesses throughout Asheville and Buncombe County recover from the devastating impacts and aftermath of Hurricane Helene. To seed the fund, Explore Asheville is transferring $300,000 from our earned revenue fund to the Always Asheville Fund. Assisting our small businesses with emergency grants, not loans, will aid in part to sustain this deeply rooted, creative community that we all love.   This support is crucial: according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 40% of small businesses do not reopen after a disaster. We want to change that statistic for the area’s local entrepreneurs, ensuring their stories continue to shape our community’s future.

Now is the time to stand with Asheville’s resilient small businesses—the artists, chefs, brewers, makers and more who give our ever-evolving Blue Ridge Mountain community its character. Your donation—large or small—will aid in part to sustain this deeply rooted, creative community that we all love.

Concert for Carolinas

Don’t miss this benefit concert featuring renowned artists that will be held on Oct. 26 to support aid relief efforts.

The NC Restaurant & Lodging Association

The NC Restaurant & Lodging Association Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that has provided over $1.5 million in financial assistance to NC restaurant and hotel employees. As WNC communities and families have been devastated by Hurricane Helene, 100% of fund donated will go directly to support NC hospitality workers impacted by the storm.

Open Restaurants in Greater Asheville

If you are located in the greater Asheville area, please consider supporting local businesses. Click the link below to view an up-to-date list of open restaurants, coffee shops, bars and more.

Additional Resources