Five Weeks On: The Fight to Rebuild Outdoor Businesses Across WNC
Bubba O’Leary’s after Hurricane Helene
[Updated from David - you can read his full original post here]
What’s next for outdoor businesses in Chimney Rock, Black Mountain, and beyond? Five weeks after Hurricane Helene’s destructive path, the reality on the ground has been deeply sobering, especially for small outdoor businesses that form the backbone of Western North Carolina’s local economy.
Serving on the Board of NCOREC, a coalition supporting the North Carolina outdoor economy, I’ve spent the past month connecting with small businesses, national brands, and government agencies. What I’ve found is both inspiring and frustrating: there is a strong will to rebuild but precious little financial assistance. Many believe FEMA, insurance, or federal aid will provide the support needed to reopen, but this simply isn’t true.
The Outdoor Economy’s Core Role—and Core Challenges
The “Outdoors” isn’t just a tourist draw here—it’s the economic foundation. This region’s splendor, stretching from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Great Smokies, isn’t just the heart of the community but also a critical economic driver. Trails, rivers, and scenic vistas are what bring visitors here, fuel local businesses, and create a livelihood for many. Helene left significant physical and financial damage in its wake, from destroyed inventory and buildings to a weakened local economy that’s heavily reliant on tourism.
Bubba O’Leary’s General Store before Hurricane Helene
Take Bubba O’Leary’s General Store in Chimney Rock. For over 25 years, Ann and Peter O’Leary have welcomed visitors with everything from outdoor gear to unique local products. In an instant, that legacy was jeopardized. Floodwaters not only devastated their building but also swept away $100,000 in newly stocked fall inventory—products that had just arrived for their busiest season. Despite paying for comprehensive Business Continuity insurance, their claim was denied due to “flood” exemptions. They’re not alone; hundreds of business owners are experiencing similar frustrations.
What Happens Next?
From other disasters, we know that many small businesses won’t make it back—42% are predicted not to reopen, and another 20% may fail within the year. For Western North Carolina, this means more than lost businesses; it’s about losing part of our community’s unique culture and character. Rebuilding our trails, parks, and river access points is equally critical, as these spaces aren’t just beautiful—they’re the bedrock of the economy.
At Rebuild Black Mountain, we’re collaborating with nonprofits, government agencies, and business owners to provide targeted relief for outdoor infrastructure. Our approach includes supporting select 501(c)(3) nonprofits in their efforts to provide the training, tools, and manpower needed to restore trails and other outdoor spaces, as well as advocating for meaningful financial relief for affected small businesses.
How You Can Help
If you believe in the power of the outdoors and want to see Western North Carolina thrive once again, here are ways to make a difference:
Donate to Rebuild Black Mountain Resilience Fund – Funds go directly to nonprofits working to restore trails, river access, and recreational spaces vital to the local economy.
Support WNC Strong: Rebuilding Together Grant Fund – Contributions to the WNC Strong: Rebuilding Together Grant Fund through Mountain BizWorks provides $25,000 cash grants directly to small businesses that are the lifeblood of our community.
Invest in Zero-Interest Bridge Loans – Donations through Abundance Capital provide bridge loans to help businesses recover and restock while they await other aid sources.
Together, we can bring this region back from the brink and ensure that its businesses, natural spaces, and communities continue to inspire for generations to come.
