Mountain Strong Fund for Business Recovery

Launched after Hurricane Helene hit our community, the Mountain Strong Fund for Business Recovery raised over $1.2 million to support grants to businesses impacted by Helene. Grants were distributed in winter 2024-2025 to more than 55 small businesses and 16 regional chambers of commerce. Thank you to all the donors that made these essential initial grants possible!

 We invite you to support continued economic recovery in Asheville and Buncombe County with a donation to AVL 5x5, our five-year strategic plan which guides the work of the Economic Development Coalition of Asheville-Buncombe County.

The Economic Development Coalition (EDC) for Asheville-Buncombe County is a 30-year public-private partnership committed to: creating and retaining high quality jobs, community leadership, and being a resource for better business decisions. The EDC accomplishes this mission through its five core services: business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship, marketing and recruitment, workforce development and Riverbird Research. Economic recovery will be a key tenant in all areas of our work moving forward. The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the AVL 5x5 Campaign. For more information, visit www.ashevillechamber.org/economic-development. 

We appreciate your support!

The Mountain Strong Fund for Business Recovery is managed by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Community Betterment Foundation (EIN: 56-1762978) is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax deductible and you will receive an email confirming the value of your donation.