BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Nearly a year after Tropical Storm Helene devastated parts of Western North Carolina, local leaders say Black Mountain and Swannanoa are moving forward with recovery efforts while continuing to support residents and small businesses.
The Black Mountain and Swannanoa Chamber Foundation said this week the community has faced challenges and tragedies but also found “sparks of hope” and resilience. Director of Business Support Services Wesley A. Hoffman said the work is ongoing, with new initiatives aimed at strengthening the local economy.
Among the efforts in progress are:
- A career fair with local and state employers, including Buncombe County government and area retailers and manufacturers.
- A business expo to connect small business owners with resource providers, financial institutions and pro-business organizations.
- A strategic planning initiative with local businesses, the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, Buncombe County and UNC Chapel Hill.
In addition, Town Hardware and General Store of Black Mountain announced plans to build a store in Swannanoa, which community leaders said fills a much-needed gap.
The Chamber Foundation also shared information on several grant and loan opportunities, including T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant Program, the IRC and Chase Disaster Relief Fund for restaurants and bars, and the North Carolina Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program.
One key resource is the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, administered by Mountain BizWorks with support from the Golden LEAF Foundation and other partners. The program offers loans of up to $100,000 for small businesses impacted by the storm. Terms include a 1 percent interest rate with interest-only payments in the first year and no prepayment penalties. Applications are open through Sept. 30.
Community members are also being asked to help address ongoing housing needs, as individuals displaced by the storm continue to seek rentals in the Black Mountain and Swannanoa area.
Hoffman said the Foundation welcomes feedback, resources and information from residents and urged the community to reflect on how far it has come in the year since the storm.
