The Outdoor Business Alliance of Western North Carolina (OBA) has distributed $34,500 in recovery micro grants to 16 outdoor businesses in the region that were affected by Hurricane Helene. The OBA Business Recovery Fund & Micro Grant Program was established to provide timely financial relief for outdoor companies grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The grants aim to address urgent needs such as employee retention, equipment replacement, facility repairs, and other critical recovery efforts.

The program was made possible by contributions from several major donors, including Uproar Concept, Fifth Element Camping, Appalachian Riverboard Company, Pilot Cove Forest Lodging, Roanoke GO Outside Festival, Mountain BizWorks, and REI Co-op. These organizations, along with support from 24 individual donors and the wider outdoor community, played a vital role in ensuring financial assistance reached businesses that are integral to Western North Carolina’s outdoor economy.

The OBA continues to foster a thriving outdoor business ecosystem throughout Western North Carolina by supporting gear manufacturers, retailers, outfitters, experience providers, non-profits, and other industry stakeholders. For more information about the Outdoor Business Alliance and its initiatives, visit outdoorbusinessalliance.org.

Source: Outdoor Business Alliance.