This week, the world’s economic leaders will host a G20 Finance Summit in Asheville to discuss macro-economic policies that will impact global trade and large-scale markets. And while they’re here, they’ll visit the small businesses that power western North Carolina, like our restaurants, coffee shops, and retail spots that really showcase the best of Western North Carolina.
These world leaders will be landing in our beautiful mountains less than two years after we experienced catastrophic damage from Hurricane Helene. Flooding swept through our streets, destroyed homes, cut off critical roads and utilities, and took the lives of over 100 of our neighbors. Our downtowns went dark and our water stopped running. Despite the grief and overwhelm, small businesses showed up for our community in generous and tangible ways. They jumped into feed neighbors, distribute vital supplies, and so much more.
Because Mountain BizWorks has been a part of our local entrepreneurial community for more than 35 years, we have had a front row seat to the generosity, ingenuity, and resilience of these businesses. Our mission to build a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial community in WNC took on a new urgency in the aftermath of the storm, and we were honored to be part of those efforts. In total, Governor Stein and our state legislature have worked to get more than $100 million in grants and loans to thousands of small businesses, saving nearly 15,000 jobs…