TRANSYLVANIA Tomorrow
A Community Support and Relief Fund
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.
The fund was originally formed in early 2020 amidst the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic and raised and distributed $250,000 to 111 businesses throughout Transylvania County.
Transylvania Tomorrow’s goal is to distribute emergency support throughout the small business community to help rebuild businesses 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 is an initiative of the Transylvania Business Support Task Force, which consists of Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce, Heart of Brevard, Transylvania Economic Alliance, Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority, and Blue Ridge Community College Small Business Center with a mission to work collaboratively to support the business community in Transylvania County, particularly in times of crisis. The relief fund is coordinated through the Community Focus Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
THE IMPACT
A PROVEN TRACK RECORD
Following Hurricane Helene, the task force’s initial objective was to quickly get money to businesses struggling due to physical damage and lost revenue ahead of the lean winter months. Funds were made available for payroll (exclusive of owner compensation); professional restoration; recovery and remodeling services due to storm damage; utilities, rent, mortgage payments; insurance or similar expenses; and supplies directly used in producing a product for sale.
In November, the Transylvania Tomorrow program awarded $145,000 to 58 local businesses. Many of their owners and operators have felt the positive impact of these funds.
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We at Pitch Pine Farm are honored and thrilled to be selected for the grant. This funding brings us relief knowing that we can purchase supplies needed to get back to what we love doing - growing food for our community."
Paige Witherington and Justin Dansby,
Owners of Pitch Pine Farm Share
Thank you to The Transylvania Business Support Task Force for organizing the Emergency Relief Fund program! I am not one to ask for help and it has been extremely challenging for me to rally for the continued success of Penny Lane Exchange, established 1997. This $1000 grant will help in paying some of our monthly bills.
Laura Minerd,
Penny Lane Exchange
We are so grateful to live in a community with so much support. Thank you to all of those who contributed to and helped organize the Transylvania Tomorrow Small Business Emergency Relief Fund. The funds we received will go directly towards keeping our doors open so we can continue to host live music when it is safe to do so.
185 King Street
Community Benefit Concert
A free Community Benefit Concert featuring The Steep Canyon Rangers and The Travis Book Band This special concert was held in support of the Transylvania Tomorrow Hurricane Relief Fund, with a goal to raise $500K for local businesses in need. The Benefit Concert brought together our community and offered support to those affected. Overall, we raised over the $500k goal.
How to Apply
Transylvania Tomorrow
Business Support Task Partners
The Transylvania Business Support Task Force is made up of the Heart of Brevard, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce, Transylvania County Tourism, Transylvania Economic Alliance, and Blue Ridge Community College Small Business Center.
