The road to recovery is long for some people in western North Carolina nearly a year after Helene hit. The challenge can be especially hard for small businesses.
What You Need To Know
- Some small business owners are working to rebuild and reopen nearly a year after Helene
- Business owners rely on a mix of income to rebuild including loans and private donations
- Two small business owners in western N.C. are rebuilding
John Tressler opened Zella’s Deli in Swannanoa just a few months before Helene hit.
The New York City-style deli sits next to the Swannanoa River and was torn apart. The back of the deli was gutted as chairs and wooden planks remain inside the establishment.
“I’ve looked at it for months, and I’m just sort of numb at this point,” Tressler said.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency doesn’t provide assistance for business owners, but there are Small…
