BREVARD - In response to the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Helene, Transylvania Business Support Task Force has relaunched Transylvania Tomorrow Small Business Emergency Relief Fund to support the small business community in Transylvania County. Transylvania Tomorrow is a disaster relief fund that focuses on supporting small businesses in Transylvania County during times of emergency. Any small business in Transylvania County is eligible to apply for funding.  

Transylvania Tomorrow was originally formed in early 2020 amidst the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic and raised and distributed $250,000 to over 100 businesses throughout Transylvania County. Transylvania Tomorrow’s goal is to distribute emergency support throughout the small business community to help rebuild business that have lost income, maintain employment opportunities that support the livelihoods of residents, and preserve the unique characteristics of our local economy and small business community. 

“Transylvania Tomorrow’s mission is centered around helping small businesses during times of crisis – small businesses keep our economy vibrant, employ our friends and neighbors, and support nonprofits, charities, and philanthropic efforts across the community” said Nicole Bentley, Executive Director of Heart of Brevard, “the success and longevity of small businesses has a direct impact on Transylvania County’s long-term recovery and economic health.” 

Transylvania Tomorrow is an initiative of the Transylvania Business Support Task Force, a collaboration between the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce, Heart of Brevard, Transylvania Economic Alliance, Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority, and Blue Ridge Community College Small Business Center.  

“Many of the small businesses locals and visitors love were dramatically impacted by recent hurricane,” shares Clark Lovelace, Executive Director of Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority. “Even more will feel the impact as we move through one of the most popular months for visitation, which also serves as one of the most important months for the revenues these businesses need to survive. Our hope is that Transylvania Tomorrow can provide a needed boost that helps these small businesses make it through the lean winter months ahead.” 

Transylvania Tomorrow’s funds are coordinated through the Community Focus Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. To donate to the fund and support Transylvania County’s small businesses during times of crisis, you may visit BrevardNC.org/Community/Transylvania-Tomorrow. The Transylvania Business Support Task Force will update and establish guidelines and applications for support in the coming weeks.  

Source: The Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College