Thank you to the 100+ travel and hospitality partners and community members who came together for this year’s rescheduled Earth Day Cleanup. Seven months after Hurricane Helene, volunteers removed more than 4,000 pounds of trash and debris from our community, nearly nine times the amount collected last year (460 pounds). With support from Asheville GreenWorks, RiverLink, and Mountain True, cleanup teams set up in five neighborhoods across Buncombe County, including:

Today at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, NC Department of Insurance (NCDOI) representatives are hosting a Victims’ Assistance Center for businesses or individuals struggling with an insurance claim. The NCDOI can assist with filing complaints or inquiries regarding any insurance issue, such as homeowners' policy and coverage types; auto/vehicle coverages; mobile home policies; health insurance; and the Seniors Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP).

• When: Today, May 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (drop-in)
• Where: Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce - HomeTrust Room (1st floor), 36 Montford Avenue

Main Street America, in partnership with American Express, is now accepting applications for a round of the Backing Small Businesses grant program, offering $10,000 to 100 small businesses impacted by FEMA-declared disasters.

Some eligibility requirements include:

• In operation since Jan. 1, 2024, or earlier
• Physical brick-and-mortar location in an older or historic main street, downtown, or commercial district
• 20 or fewer full-time employees
• Must be "locally-significant" (integral to community culture/identity)

Applications close in one week on May 21, at 11:59 p.m. C.T. Help us spread the word by sharing with small businesses throughout Western North Carolina. To learn more about complete eligibility requirements, click here.

Backing Historic Small Restaurants, presented by American Express in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will award a total of $2.5 million in grants to 50 historic and culturally significant restaurants in the United States. This program seeks to assist a broad array of restaurants that have contributed to their neighborhood’s history and identity and that help tell a story about cuisine and community in America. 

• Grant Amount: $50,000 
• Application deadline: May 30 at 11:59 p.m.
• Eligibility: Small or independently owned restaurants located in historic buildings/neighborhoods that have compelling cultural significance and can demonstrate they've been disproportionately impacted by economic challenges, disasters, or other hardships
  

Dogwood Health Trust is launching two grant opportunities, opening May 19:

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, Buncombe County launched the Envision Buncombe survey to gather community input that will directly shape both the County's 2030 Strategic Plan and long-term recovery efforts. This brief survey, which takes less than five minutes to complete, allows every resident to express their needs and priorities as we rebuild. We encourage all partners to participate to help ensure every voice is at the table. 

Explore Asheville invites all frontline lodging employees in Buncombe County to join the Concierge Working Group—an opportunity to connect with industry peers, learn about regional events, create partnerships, and discover unique tours and attractions in the area. Our last gathering at The Foundry Hotel featured discussions on spring programs, ways to engage with Explore Asheville’s Business Development team, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the hotel and the YMI Cultural Center.

Join us for our next meeting:

• When: Wednesday, June 11, 2–4 p.m.
• Where: Newly reopened Grand Bohemian Lodge in Biltmore Village
• Special feature: Mini wellness fair with Asheville Wellness Tours, including a sound bath, tarot readings, and other wellness activities

This group is open to all frontline lodging staff in Buncombe County. To join or learn more, please contact Kimberly Puryear.

Thank you to the 200+ travel and hospitality professionals who celebrated with us at the second annual Heroes of Hospitality Awards Luncheon! We honored more than 60 nominations for individuals whose extraordinary commitment to hospitality powered the region's recovery and resilience. We also recognized the recipients of the inaugural Explore Asheville Hospitality Scholarship, established to foster the next generation of travel and hospitality leaders in our community. Learn more about the winners here, watch the event video, and view the photos by clicking below. 

Last Thursday's unveiling of the first mural along the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail was a powerful celebration of community—thank you for joining us! Local artist Tommy Lee McGee’s new mural in South Slope offers gratitude, respect, and honor to Black and Brown women, marking the first of three murals planned for the trail. The Hayes High Steppin' Majorettes and Drum Corps performed to celebrate this occasion, alongside a block party featuring local Black artists, musicians, and makers. We invite everyone to explore the trail and its new mural, which celebrates the dignity, humanity, and agency of Black people from all backgrounds who built resilient communities and fostered social change in Asheville.

Summer is just around the corner—and so is your chance to stock up on The Official 2025 Asheville Visitor Guide! This year’s guide was reimagined to more deeply reflect Asheville’s creative spirit, featuring work by local artists, personalized recommendations from those who call this place home, and contextual elements that honor our region’s ongoing story of resilience. Place your order by May 28 to receive your guides the first week of June.