TRANSYLVANIA TOMORROW 2024

HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF

BUSINESS RECOVERY ASSISTANCE FROM HURRICANE HELENE

In response to the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Helene, Transylvania Business Support Task Force has relaunched the Transylvania Tomorrow Small Business Emergency Relief Fund (Transylvania Tomorrow) to support the small business community in Transylvania County, NC.

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.

So far, Transylvania Tomorrow has provided $145,000 in grants, to 58 businesses. With a total of $420,000 raised for Hurricane Helene Relief. A second round of funding an an upated applicaite will announced in the near future.

DONATIONS OF ALL SIZE ARE APPRECIATED

THREE WAYS TO GIVE:

Mail a check made out to Community Focus Foundation with Transylvania Tomorrow in the memo line to:

Community Focus Foundation
P.O. Box 215
Brevard, NC 28712

HOW TO APPLY

Who is Eligible for Funding

Eligibility guidelines are as follows:

  • Must be 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 is given to businesses that:
    • Are headquartered and with primary operations in Transylvania County
    • Are independently owned
    • Have been in operation for an extended time
    • Have a brick-and-mortar location
    • Have the greatest level of need-priority of grant awards will be directed towards businesses experiencing loss/damage of buildings, inventory, 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; recovery and remodeling services due to storm damage; utilities, rent, mortgage payments; insurance or similar expenses; products directly used in production of a product for sale

Stay Tuned for Information About the Next Round of Funding

OUR AWARD-WINNING NON-PROFIT IS RECOGNIZED FOR OUR EXCEPTIONAL IMPACT.

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OUR BUSINESS SUCCESS STORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is Transylvania Tomorrow?
    The Transylvania Tomorrow Small Business Emergency Support Grant Program is an initiative designed to provide critical financial assistance to small, independent businesses in Transylvania County that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. The goal is to raise $500,000 to help local businesses with various recovery efforts, including physical repairs, employee retention, business strategy development, and more.
  2. Who is managing the funds?
    The funds for Transylvania Tomorrow are managed by the Community Focus Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible, and contributions go directly to supporting businesses in need within Transylvania County.
  3. What is the fundraising goal?
    We aim to raise $500,000 to support small businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. These funds will help ensure that businesses can recover, rebuild, and continue serving the community.
  4. How can I make a donation?
    There are several ways you can contribute to Transylvania Tomorrow:
  • Online Donation via Heart of Brevard’s Website:
    Visit www.brevardnc.org and follow the direct link to donate.
  • Direct Campaign Link:
    Go directly to our fundraising page: Transylvania Tomorrow Hurricane Fund.
  • PayPal:
    You can make a donation via PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/transylvaniatomorrow/.
  • Check:
    Make checks payable to “Community Focus Foundation, Inc.” and write “Transylvania Tomorrow” in the memo line.
    Mail to:
    Community Focus Foundation
    PO Box 215
    Brevard, NC 28712
  • Is my donation tax-deductible?
    Yes, donations are tax-deductible. The Community Focus Foundation’s EIN number is 13-1837418.
  • Can I donate through my IRA?
    Yes! If you are 70 1/2 years or older and have an IRA, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to Transylvania Tomorrow. These donations will not be taxed, and they count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), even if you don’t itemize deductions on your taxes. This is a great way to give more while reducing your tax burden.
  • What types of business needs will the funds support?
    The funds will support a range of needs for small businesses, including:

    • Physical repairs or improvements
    • Employee retention programs
    • Business strategy development and marketing efforts
    • Establishing or improving online sales platforms
  • Who is behind the Transylvania Tomorrow initiative?
    The Transylvania Tomorrow program is an initiative of the Transylvania Business Support Task Force, which includes the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce, Heart of Brevard, Transylvania Economic Alliance, Blue Ridge Community College Small Business Center, and the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority. These organizations have come together to ensure that local businesses receive the assistance they need during this crisis.
  • How will funds be distributed?
    Funds will be distributed to eligible businesses in Transylvania County. We are currently working on establishing the application guidelines, and more details will be available in the coming weeks.
  • How was Transylvania Tomorrow involved during the COVID-19 pandemic?
    During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Transylvania Tomorrow Small Business Emergency Relief Fund raised and distributed $250,000, helping 111 local businesses during their time of need. The current effort builds on this success to support businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.
  • Who can I contact for more information?
    For more details or assistance with donations, please visit www.brevardnc.org, or contact the Heart of Brevard office.