Riverbird Research, in partnership with local and state agencies, has launched the WNC Helene Impacts Business Response Survey to assess impacts and needs across our region. Feedback will directly inform relief and recovery efforts at all levels of government. Whether you're a small business, a large company, or even if you've had to close your doors post-Helene, your insights are crucial.

Respondents will have the option to enter a drawing for a $500 Visa gift card provided by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Note: You may have filled out a different survey on Helene impacts focused on specific aspects of recovery. We encourage you to fill out this new collaborative survey to provide ground-level picture of the storm's impact on businesses and the interconnected economy of Western North Carolina.

ANY business with a presence in Western North Carolina can take the survey. This includes businesses in any industry and of all sizes (from solopreneurs to national/international companies with operations in WNC) as well as businesses that may have closed post-Helene. 

This collaborative survey is in partnership with the 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 has tasked the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (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.

EDPNC’s CEO, Christopher Chung: “By taking the time to respond to this survey, WNC business owners can have a voice in describing the depth and breadth of challenges affecting their business, their employees, and their customers. As the state's partner in supporting existing companies and counseling small business, this information is crucial to informing the next steps forward in Washington and Raleigh."

Heidi Reiber, Senior Director of Research at Riverbird Research, a division of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce: “Understanding on-the-ground needs of the business community is key to shaping recovery efforts. Input from employers across Western North Carolina will inform relief and recovery efforts throughout the regional economy.”

Click here to take the survey.

Source: Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.