'We lost everything': Western NC businesses seek support after Helene as recovery drags on

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Governor Josh Stein met Tuesday with economic leaders from western North Carolina as communities continue pushing for financial support in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

In 2024, the storm devastated parts of the region, including Asheville's River Arts District, where business owners say recovery remains an uphill battle.

"We lost everything it takes to run a business," said Julie Bell, co-founder of Trackside Studios.

Bell said floodwaters reached about six feet inside the building, damaging much of the space and affecting dozens of artists.

"We had 40 of our 60 artists on that floor. So, they lost everything, and our classroom was on that floor. So, our teachers lost all of their teaching material," Bell said.

Trackside Studios is one of many galleries in the district hit hard by Helene. Still, business owners say the community has come together in the months since.

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Bell said more than 200 volunteers contributed at least 1,000 hours to help get the studio ready to reopen.

That same spirit has been seen across western North Carolina.

Eric Brinker, co-owner of The Speckled Trout, said once his business was deemed safe, it became a hub for recovery efforts.

According to a MountainBizWorks survey shared last July, 86% of local businesses reported they were at or below their pre-Helene revenue levels.

Brinker said keeping those businesses afloat will depend on continued support -- especially from visitors.

"We need tourists to keep everything up and running," he said.

ABC11's Michael Perchick contributed to this report.