Pivoting or Starting a New Business After a Disaster

By Neal McTighe, Interim Director, Business Launch Program

Our hearts are with the people of Western North Carolina as they grapple with the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm’s relentless rains and catastrophic flooding have upended communities, washing away homes, businesses, and dreams. For many, this disaster has forced a painful pause on plans to start a new business. For others, it has opened new, unforeseen paths. While we understand entrepreneurship might not be top of mind right now, for some, it remains a beacon of hope—either to continue, pivot, or start anew.

From Idea to Solution

All businesses begin with a problem and a solution. Some business ideas tread familiar paths, providing tried-and-true services, while others introduce novel solutions or intellectual property that break new ground. Regardless of the path, success is achieved when the solution addresses a significant need—whether it’s a problem faced by many or of deep importance to a few. If you had an idea before the storm, know that its value hasn’t diminished. Your expertise and solutions still matter, even if the original plan must be postponed or adapted.

New Challenges, New Opportunities

If the entrepreneurial fire remains, it’s worth reevaluating the new problems that have emerged from the disaster. Sometimes, passions that drove an earlier idea can be redirected toward new needs. The upheaval caused by the hurricane may create fresh opportunities for those ready to pivot or embark on entrepreneurship for the first time.

• The Pivot: A homebuilder with years of experience and specialized equipment might find the building industry temporarily disrupted. But that same equipment can be repurposed to clear debris and restore access to damaged areas, providing vital services to private companies.
• The Start: An electrical engineer displaced from a telecommunications firm might identify an opportunity to design, sell, and install UHF antenna signal boosters to help restore wireless communication where nearby towers were destroyed.

Whether you’re pivoting from an existing path or starting fresh, entrepreneurship offers a way forward. It taps into the heart of American resilience, creativity, and innovation—values that have always propelled us to overcome adversity.

Resources for Your Next Step

The SBTDC plays a critical role in supporting small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs across our great state, especially in times of recovery. We understand that starting a business, especially now, can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer tools and programs tailored to meet you where you are, including our popular Taking The Leap course. 

In 2025, we’ll offer 22 cohorts both in-person and virtually.

In Taking The Leap, you’ll learn essential skills—like identifying potential markets, writing a business plan, managing finances, and marketing your business—through engaging activities with peers and mentors. This is a great opportunity to develop your idea into a viable business model, surrounded by a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.

We also offer 1:1, no-cost pre-venture counseling across North Carolina. Whether you need help setting up a company, conducting market research, or analyzing competitors, our counselors are here to guide you.

• Learn more about Taking The Leap
• Contact a local SBTDC office

Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the disaster. When you’re ready to take the next step, we’ll be here to help—whether you’re pivoting or starting fresh.

Together, we’ll rise again.