Despite these challenges, the survey also shows a determined recovery effort. By June, 93 percent of businesses had reopened, though 86 percent were still operating below pre-storm revenue levels. More than half of respondents reported being at least 80 percent below previous performance, but there were bright spots: 13 percent of businesses were outperforming pre-storm benchmarks.

“We also heard through the survey that it's not just Helene that businesses are dealing with,” said Raker. “There are other challenges going on…there is other economic uncertainty, tariffs and other things that folks are having to navigate as well that flows up into this.” 

Confidence levels remain encouraging. Nearly half of respondents said they were “very confident” about a full recovery, with another 37 percent “somewhat confident.” Notably, larger businesses reported stronger recovery prospects than smaller firms with fewer than 10 employees.

Widespread Impacts

The survey revealed that 96 percent of small businesses were affected, either through lost revenue, physical damage, or both. More than 90 percent reported decreased sales, while two-thirds experienced simultaneous outages of internet, power, and water. Over half reported physical property damage ranging from flooding to wind and tree impacts. The median reported loss was $95,000 per business, with an average loss exceeding $320,000—figures that in many cases surpassed annual revenue.

The disruptions forced 83 percent of businesses to close temporarily, with the median closure lasting 42 days. “For most businesses, that represents not just lost income but a serious disruption to employee livelihoods and customer relationships,” said Mountain BizWorks executive director Matt Raker during the presentation of findings.

Emerging Needs

The survey also highlighted key priorities for continued recovery:

• Flexible Capital: Business owners cited the need for more grants and forgivable loans, noting that average relief disbursements of $25,000 covered only a fraction of losses.
  
  

• Commercial Space: The storm intensified an already tight market for affordable commercial property, particularly for artists, makers, and small manufacturers displaced from flood-prone or damaged spaces.
  
  

• Technical Assistance: Many respondents expressed ongoing needs for peer support networks and specialized guidance, particularly around insurance claims and renewals.
  
  

• Public Infrastructure: Business vitality remains tied to the restoration of public lands and tourism assets such as the Blue Ridge Parkway and Chimney Rock State Park. Entrepreneurs urged local and state leaders to view rebuilding as an opportunity to improve resilience. “Our public lands are so important to our region and the small business owners,” said Raker. “That connection between our public lands and our business vitality is important.”
  
  

• Narrative Shift: Respondents emphasized the importance of changing the perception that Western North Carolina remains closed. With 93 percent of businesses reopened, owners see storytelling and marketing support as essential to bringing back customers and visitors.
  

A Multi-Year Road Ahead

While the survey underscores the severity of Helene’s blow to the region’s economy, it also illustrates the determination of local business owners to rebuild. “We are on a good path,” Raker said. “We talk about how you recover forward—so not just go back to where we were, but embrace opportunities to move our communities forward here. It takes a village.”