Small businesses throughout Western North Carolina are closer to much needed financial relief.

On Friday, January 31, 2025, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein was in Boone and announced the creation of a pool of $30M for the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative II, a grant program for eligible businesses in Helene-impacted counties.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we will hear directly from Governor Stein about this program and we will break down eligibility criteria in great detail. We will also hear from other involved with the program as they explain how small businesses in our region can benefit from these available funds.

Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. It is made possible each week thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

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On January 16, 2025, the Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce hosted the 9th annual High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon, in front of a sold out audience at Appalachian State's Grandview Ballroom.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we hear the annual High Country Economic Forecast from Dr. Harry Davis, Regional Economist and Dean of the NC School of Banking. Dr. Davis recaps 2024, discusses the economic impact of hot topics like housing and inflation, and breaks down the impact of Hurricane Helene on the local economy. He also delivers his forecast for Watauga County, Western North Carolina, and the entire State for 2025.

Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Support the show

On January 17, 2024, the Mind Your Business podcast was on-location in Swannanoa, NC, one of the most devastated communities in Western North Carolina from the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a regionally focused panel discussion entitled Business Voices for WNC Recovery. In addition to remarks from Chamber leaders from across the region, the overflow audience heard directly from businesses from impacted areas, about their current realities, immediate needs, and continued pain points as recovery efforts continue.

Regional Business Panelists:
Lisa Cooper, President/CEO, Mast General Store
Meredith Ellison, Founder and Chief Well-Being Officer, Quility
Sandi Garcia Boyer, Executive Director, North Carolina Youth Camp Association

Main Street Business Panelists:
Jeffrey Burroughs, President, River Arts District Association
Michelle Bollman, General Manager, Stick Boy
Karen Caruso, Founder/Owner, Mind Your Business

Please stay engaged with your local Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development organizations for the latest information related to business supports for storm recovery. You can help these organizations by responding to requests for data and stories, as these asks from the legislative and grant-funding communities are critical to informing future policy and funding discussions.

Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. It is made possible each week thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Support the show