Resilience Roundtable: WNC Business Pivot Chats is a new online monthly discussion initiated by local entrepreneurs Alyssa Phillips Downey and Nicole McConville.
From CPP: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians sees effects to tourism and agriculture after Helene, but uses tribe’s resources to send aid elsewhere
“We received quite a bit of damage, but nothing like people east of Cherokee,” Anthony Sequoyah, the Eastern Band’s secretary of travel operations, told Carolina Public Press.
From CPP: Why legal challenge to NC medical provider regulation matters
A recent lawsuit brought forth by a New Bern ophthalmologist challenges the constitutionality of the law, bringing the issue to the forefront of statewide debate.
Restaurants need potable water to operate, but at what cost?
Requiring a hefty up-front financial investment and ongoing rental and service fees, alternate water options are beyond the reach of many Asheville food and beverage businesses.
Women in Business: Sustainable and creative
“I don’t think you should have to sacrifice whimsical patterns, color and structure to dress easier on the environment,” says Megan Authement, owner of Clad.
Women in Business: Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart
“Owning a business is a spiritual experience that’ll challenge all of your beliefs and sense of self,” says Jesse Rosenblum, owner of Liminal Sōma.
Women in Business: A sense of identity and belonging
“One thing I urge any aspiring entrepreneur to do is ask for help when there is something overwhelming them,” says Eva Rodriguez-Cué, owner of Haywood Famous.
Local business owners navigate relief resources
As business owners begin to rebuild their livelihoods in the wake of Helene, financial relief efforts are beginning to take shape in Western North Carolina.
Women in Business: Message of shamelessness, expression and hope
“Before launching a business every entrepreneur should know that your business will have seasons. Seasons of preparation, tending, harvest and fallowness. It’s normal to experience all of them,” says Faith Laux, a somatic sex and relationship coach.
Women in Business: On the way to achieving your big-picture goal
“Entrepreneurship, especially for a small farm business at its start, is a major balancing act between the manual labor involved and the hustle of developing social media content and promotional materials and all the daily logistics of running a business,” says Salley Williamson, owner of Piney Mountain Farm.
Creating space for women business owners
With her most recent venture, Mad Genius Studios, Shawndra Russell is committed to creating community and improving access to resources for WNC women in business.
Flooded before opening day, much-anticipated RAD restaurants seek high ground
Gourmand, Black Cat Sandwich Co. and ButterPunk were poised to open in the RAD when floodwaters set them adrift.
Women in Business: Community and mutual support
“For new business owners, it’s crucial to understand that while it may not take long to master the craft of what you’re selling, if you intend to have employees, serving them well as a boss will be an ongoing commitment,” says Jen Lauzon, co-owner of LaZoom Tours
Women in Business: Magic in the making
“It is incredible the amount of diversity Magic players have from bartenders, lawyers, teachers, baristas, kids — really it is a game that spans not just age but professions,” says Charla Schlueter, owner of Gamers’ Haunt
From CPP: Tourism economy of WNC hopes to weather the loss of October after Helene
Asheville’s tourism board is trying desperately to tell folks across the state and country that despite the devastation, they should still book a trip to the city.
Ingles reports storm losses up to $55 million
Four stores – in Swannanoa, Morganton, Newland and Spruce Pine – remain closed and are not expected to open for three to nine months.
Small towns find ways to aid businesses suffering financially after Helene
As small towns throughout Western North Carolina face an October without tourists, local nonprofits and community members are finding ways to help financially struggling businesses.
From CPP: Mill town in limbo. Helene leaves sale of closed Canton paper mill in doubt.
Tropical Storm Fred caused massive flooding in Canton in 2021. Then the mill closed, crushing the town. Now, the damage Helene wreaked on the mill and the town’s wastewater facility has the once-enthusiastic buyer — E.J. Spiritas Group — reconsidering its options.
County provides road map for Asheville restaurants to reopen
Asheville restaurants can apply to reopen for business while they are without water due to Tropical Storm Helene. But some say the process of setting up a temporary water source is a nonstarter.
From CPP: Smoky Mountain high. NC Cherokees place their bets on cannabis biz.
The Great Smoky Cannabis Company made history on April 20 by opening the first dispensary in a state where cannabis is illegal on both the medical and recreational level.
Communities throughout WNC embrace outdoor recreation projects
From Woodfin to Canton, Hendersonville to Brevard, local communities are embracing outdoor recreation as a way to drive economic growth and provide recreational opportunities for residents.