Hurricane Helene Survey: Entrepreneurs Giving Back

Introduction

Following Hurricane Helene, the CSBDF research team conducted a survey of almost 140 WNC entrepreneurs that received services from its Western Women’s Business Center to learn about how they were impacted by the storm. This post is the fourth in a series based upon the results of that survey. Despite Helene’s destructive impacts upon their personal and professional lives, small business owners played a vital role in helping their neighbors recover and their communities rebuild. 

Hurricane Helene damage in Asheville | Credit: NCDOT

While the WWBC and its partners with the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative grant program have provided essential capital and technical assistance to WNC entrepreneurs, additional grant funding is needed to ensure that businesses in the region survive, recover, and thrive. 

Hurricane Helene Survey Blog Post 4: Entrepreneurs Giving Back

Key Takeaways 

• Despite facing major personal and business losses from Hurricane Helene, many WNC entrepreneurs actively helped their communities recover through volunteering, donating goods, fundraising, and organizing supplies. 

• Entrepreneurs volunteered both formally and informally, working with organizations like churches and local governments, as well as helping neighbors directly through social networks and by drawing on their personal skills. 

• Many business owners gave back while they themselves were still struggling, demonstrating the strong mutual interdependence and resilience of local communities. 

• In-kind donations, essential supply delivery, and creative community support efforts (like offering showers, massages, music, and gathering spaces) helped meet immediate post-disaster needs and strengthen social bonds. 

  
  

Volunteering 

Volunteers working in Western North Carolina | Credit: Samaritan's Purse

Volunteering Through Organizations 

In the months following Hurricane Helene, entrepreneurs volunteered in their communities through a wide variety of organizations, including churches and faith-based groups, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and local government programs. Often, organizations partnered with one another to share space, resources, and personnel. 

“I have volunteered several shifts at one of the Comfort Care stations set up by the city of Asheville. It was where people could come do laundry, take showers and get a free meal from the Red Cross.” 

“We participated in cooking breakfasts at a Harley Davison supply collection center located in Swannanoa for 5 weeks to more than 100 volunteers, pilots and former military personnel in charge of the rescue operation.” 

Informal Volunteering 

Many entrepreneurs volunteered in their communities through informal arrangements, drawing on preexisting social networks, communicating via word of mouth, and drawing on their skills and resources. 

“I paint houses and many people in my community and churches had losses, so now I am helping to paint where they need to live again.” 

“I made two supply runs to Charlotte as soon as the highway became unobstructed. I was able to help my neighbors by bringing them gas, food, etc. I helped cook meals for my neighborhood and also delivered supplies from bigger distribution sites to those in need.” 

Volunteering While in Need 

At times, entrepreneurs volunteered while they themselves were struggling to recover from the hurricane’s impacts. This mutual interdependence is a testament to the strength of local communities and the important role played by business owners. 

“I have tried to help out where I can. I have volunteered at distribution centers and gone to organizing meetings, but it's been hard trying to stay afloat myself.” 

“I have volunteered for a few organizations, food kitchens, delivering supplies. I received donated supplies, was fed, and nourished through community engagement. I have donated funds and time to multiple individuals and organizations.” 

Donating 

Entrepreneurs helped community members access needed resources through financial and in-kind contributions; by fundraising; and by soliciting, organizing, and delivering supplies.  

A Hurricane Helene donation drive | Credit: NC Department of Public Safety

Fundraising 

Entrepreneurs turned to their personal and professional networks to raise funds, which were then used to meet the needs of other members of their communities. 

“I volunteered several times, in total over 80 hours, and I also did a fundraiser and raised $1,750 for a family that lost everything.” 

“[I raised] money for supplies and then distributed them. [I raised] money for financial donations to families who lost their homes and/or other family members. [I also volunteered] in a variety of ways.” 

Providing Essential Supplies 

Because many WNC communities lost utilities following the hurricane, providing water and other necessities was a top priority. 

“[I provided] water delivery from my home's water (City of Hendersonville water supply never lost water or potability) and 5-gallon water jugs purchased from Lowe's in South Carolina and delivered to those without water in Asheville area. [I also opened] up the use of my home's shower and laundry equipment to others who have been without water and power.” 

“I have helped elderly neighbors with food and water deliveries.” 

In-Kind Donations  

Although many businesses were unable to operate–or found their operations limited–following the storm, some entrepreneurs contributed products and services to their community members at no cost.  

“I donated half of my inventory to a group doing mobile Herb Health clinics and have gone to several more to make medicines. My husband and I have been cutting and splitting wood then drying it in my herb drying space and giving it to neighbors.” 

“[I donated] massages at healing hub pop-ups, Mission Hospital, the We Are Love distribution hub and We Are Well Alliance. [I also donated] over 800 minutes of massage starting the first week of recovery.” 

Donation Supply Chains 

Entrepreneurs helped bring donated goods to community members by identifying recipients, organizing supplies, packing vehicles, and delivering items throughout the WNC region. Often, business owners residing in areas less affected by Helene channeled donations to harder hit communities. 

“We have packed and delivered supplies to hard-hit areas and [served] local families with wellness experiences.” 

“I have been able to help connect donations from members outside our community to those that need it, specifically [personal protective equipment] to the people of Marshall.” 

In Sum 

In addition to delivering needed goods and services, entrepreneurs also uplifted their friends and neighbors by deepening social connections and sharing community. The owner of a retail store remembers: 

“With no power, water, internet, etc., we played Celtic music saved on my phone through our battery powered karaoke machine. We set up our camping battery as a charging station, offered cold coffee, what water we had on hand, and art supplies to entertain everyone. The next day, we brought musical instruments to play and snacks from our house.” 

By donating, fundraising, and volunteering–through both formal and informal channels–WNC entrepreneurs played an important role in the early stages of the region’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. And while the region is now seven months removed from the storm, for many entrepreneurs the recovery effort continues.  

Next week’s post will focus on WNC entrepreneurs' reflections on their experiences and their perspectives on the road ahead. Questions about the survey? Email CSBDF Director of Economic Development Policy Adam Safer at asafer@carolinasmallbusiness.org.