After Hurricane Helene’s devastation, the Asheville-Buncombe County community has shown its strength and unity. In response, Explore Asheville, a 501(c)6 nonprofit, has established the Always Asheville Fund to support small, independent travel and hospitality businesses in Asheville and across Buncombe County as they work to recover and rebuild.
The Always Asheville Fund will provide emergency grants—not loans—to help sustain the vibrant, creative, and deeply rooted community that makes the Asheville area unique. This support is essential: According the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 40% of small businesses don’t reopen after a catastrophe. The organization hopes to change this statistic for local entrepreneurs in the region, and ensure that their stories continue to influence its future.
The Explore Asheville Team has years of grant administration experience. It is a well-established organization that is organized, well-managed, and can provide immediate aid to small, independent travel, and hospitality businesses in Buncombe county affected by Hurricane Helene. Explore Asheville has pledged $300,000 in earned revenue for the Always Asheville Fund to start the fund. A grant application system will be set up to help get the resources into the community.
Vic Isley, CEO of Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority and Explore Asheville, said,
“We are committed in supporting the livelihood and vitality for Asheville’s business owners.”
“We will continue to develop innovative and responsive solutions in order to walk with our partners on the path to recovery.” Our goal is to see the Asheville region emerge stronger and more vibrant after this.
This initial phase of the sustained recovery plan also includes Concert for Carolina, a benefit concert featuring Luke Combs, Eric Church, Billy Strings, and James Taylor & Friends announced yesterday. Explore Asheville has pledged $1 million as the presenting sponsor of the event taking place on October 26 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, with all proceeds, including sponsorships, supporting aid relief efforts.
Isley stated that the purpose of these initiatives was to ensure that our community had the financial and job opportunities to thrive. This would allow them to be present when Asheville reopens to mindful tourism.
The organization is working with local government officials as well as business owners and non profit organizations to restore jobs and economic security that will keep its community strong. The Asheville Community will be stronger and is eager to share with the world its vibrant culture and resilient spirits.
Since 2001, Explore Asheville in conjunction with the Buncombe county Tourism Development Authority have committed $96,000,000 in grants to over 50 community projects. In addition, $5,000,000 has been allocated through the Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund in order to help nearly 400 small hospitality and travel businesses reopen their doors following the pandemic.
