As a business owner outside of North Carolina, it’s difficult to see Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on small businesses throughout the region. Even from afar, the news and images of destroyed storefronts, flooded buildings, and displaced communities hit close to home. I can’t help but feel a deep empathy for the business owners who are facing such immense challenges, knowing how much heart and hard work goes into running a business, especially a small, local one.
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, no matter where you are. They aren’t just places of commerce. They are sources of pride, culture, and livelihood for families and employees. Watching these businesses suffer because of something completely out of their control is heartbreaking. Many of these owners are not only dealing with the financial loss of inventory and property, but also facing the emotional toll of having their dreams and life’s work upended overnight.
What’s even harder to imagine is the uncertainty many of these businesses are facing now. The road to recovery after such a disaster can feel overwhelming, and for many, the question isn’t just how to rebuild, but if they’ll be able to.
While I may not be there physically, I believe that all of us in the broader business community have a role to play in supporting those affected by Hurricane Helene. Whether it’s donating to disaster relief funds, supporting businesses with online purchases, or spreading the word about resources available to help them rebuild, there are ways we can contribute to their recovery, even from a distance.
These small businesses represent the resilience and determination that make our communities strong. While the damage from Hurricane Helene has been devastating, I know that, with support, these businesses can recover and rebuild. It’s up to all of us to help however we can. - Todd Cardin
#SupportSmallBusiness #HurricaneHelene #RebuildTogether #NorthCarolinaStrong #BusinessCommunityResilience
