Transylvania Tomorrow Small Business Emergency Relief Fund

Funder: Transylvania Business Support Task Force (administered through Community Focus Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit)

Geographic Scope: Small businesses in Transylvania County, NC

Purpose: Disaster relief fund designed to provide funding to small businesses during times of emergency. Originally launched following the COVID-19 pandemic; relaunched in October 2024 following Hurricane Helene.

Program History

• Originally launched during COVID-19 pandemic: raised and distributed $250,000 to 111 small businesses in 2020-2021
• Relaunched October 2024 with $75,000+ already raised as of October 2024
• Task force plans future rounds to award additional dollars as funds continue to be raised

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a registered business in good standing with regard to state and local taxes and licenses
• Must have less than 50 full-time employees
• Must have experienced a significant loss, reduction in revenue, and/or physical damage due to Hurricane Helene

Preference Given To

• Independently owned businesses
• Businesses that have been in operation for an extended time
• Businesses with a brick-and-mortar location
• Businesses with the greatest level of need

Priority for Grant Awards

Priority directed towards businesses experiencing:

• Loss/damage of buildings
• Inventory damage
• Loss of other assets
• Employee dislocation
• Revenue reductions due to extended closure of access roads and/or other utilities

Eligible Uses of Funds

• Payroll (exclusive of owner compensation)
• Professional restoration services
• Recovery and remodeling services due to storm damage
• Utilities, rent, mortgage payments
• Insurance or similar expenses
• Products directly used in the production of a product for sale
• Physical repairs or improvements
• Employee retention programs
• Business strategy development and marketing efforts
• Establishing or improving online sales platforms

Sponsoring Organizations

The Transylvania Business Support Task Force consists of:

• Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce
• Heart of Brevard
• Transylvania Economic Alliance
• Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority
• Blue Ridge Community College Small Business Center

Contact Information

Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority

• Phone: 828-884-8902
• Email: [email protected]

Heart of Brevard:

• Phone: 828.884.3278
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: PO Box 931, Brevard, NC 28712

Online: https://brevardnc.org/community/transylvania-tomorrow/
Facebook: @TransylvaniaTomorrow

How to Apply

1. Access the Application: Visit https://brevardnc.org/transylvania-tomorrow-application/
   • New applicants can apply through the online portal
   • Previous applicants also have access to reapply
2. Application Deadline: Current cycle starts January 15, 2025 (ongoing with multiple rounds planned)
3. Required Information: Complete application form with business details and documentation of loss/damage due to Hurricane Helene
4. Sample Application: A sample application is available for review before submitting

Submission Options

Applications can be submitted through the online portal at https://brevardnc.org/transylvania-tomorrow-application/

Grant Cycles

• Current cycle: Starts January 15, 2025
• Multiple rounds planned as funds are raised
• Task force working on establishing additional application guidelines