The Business Recovery Workspace (sponsored by Lenoir-Rhyne University) complements the Business Recovery Center which provides resources for business recovery and the Chamber’s Mountain Strong Fund for Business Recovery.

Businesses are foundational to WNC communities by employing people, providing goods and services, and acting as the economic backbone. Western North Carolina relies on a network of businesses and industry to fuel the local economy – from manufacturing and technology, to retail and hospitality, and everything in-between.

 “These businesses are essential to the region’s recovery,” said Kit Cramer, President & CEO of the Asheville Chamber. “They need both informational and financial support now in order to move forward. Here at the Asheville Chamber, we’ve launched the Business Recovery Center with temporary workspaces and the Mountain Strong Fund for Business Recovery to help support WNC businesses as they recover.”

Mountain Strong Fund

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our local business community has shown incredible resilience. The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce stands with our businesses through the launch of the Mountain Strong Fund for Business Recovery. This fund is dedicated to providing direct financial assistance to businesses that need help rebuilding and recovering. Together for WNC.

Your donation to the Mountain Strong Fund for Business Recovery (a fund of the Asheville Chamber Community Betterment Foundation) will go directly to supporting local businesses as they recover from Hurricane Helene’s impacts. Whether you’re an individual or a business, your contribution makes a tangible difference.

Donate to the Mountain Strong Fund for Business Recovery.

Business Recovery Center

Located at the Asheville Chamber, 36 Montford Ave. in downtown Asheville, the Business Recovery Center brings together a variety of partners to provide free on-site assistance for businesses impacted by Helene along with business recovery workspace. Open to all businesses (Chamber members and nonmembers).

Download Business Recovery Center Flyer

Business Recovery Workspace

First-come, first-served temporary workspace available at no cost for business owners, nonprofit organizations and employees displaced due to Helene. Internet access provided. Bring your own laptop.

Open October 16 through December 30, Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Space is available for up to 70 users.

Those wishing to work at the Business Recovery Workspace will be asked to complete intake paperwork and to sign in and out each day as well as following “house rules” for maintaining a comfortable, clean and respectful environment for all users. 

Business Recovery Workspace Registration Document– includes more information about what to expect and agreement to complete.

Note: If you need reserved seating, printing or conference room, check with our members who provide co-working space: Center for Craft • Collider • Ernest • Focal Point Co-working • Thrive Coworking • Hatchworks Coworking

On-Site Recovery Resources:

At the center, you’ll find partners with knowledge resources available for one-on-one consultations, including:

• SBA Disaster Assistance: Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to help businesses apply for low or zero-interest disaster recovery loans.
  • Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Closed Sunday.
• Mountain BizWorks: Offering financial coaching, loans, and other resources tailored for small businesses.
  • Days & Hours TBD
• Small Business & Technology Development Center: Providing expert advice and technical support for business recovery planning.
  • Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
• Western Women’s Business Center: Offers support on a range of business topics in Spanish and English for small businesses.
  • Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:00 AM  to 2:00 PM
• Kudzu Brands: Available to assist with marketing and communication needs as you move forward such as social media support, website updates and communications to clients, employees or partners.
  • Mon-Fri. 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Colton Groome Financial – Assisting with disaster-related retirement plan questions, including contribution changes, eligibility for hardship distributions, and other retirement plan concerns. Check out their financial resources document here.
  • Wednesday 10/9 & Thursday 10/10- 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Week of 10/14: Tue – Thur – tentative hours of 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Week of 10/21: Tue – Thur – tentative hours of 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Week of 10/28: Tue – Thur – tentative hours of 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Chamber Staff: On-site to connect you with other resources and ensure you get the help you need.
• Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM