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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAMBER
Celebration of Resilience
Because Together, We Rise
One year ago, Hurricane Helene swept through Lake Lure, Chimney Rock Village, and the greater Hickory Nut Gorge area—upending lives and livelihoods in a matter of hours. What could have been the end of something beautiful instead became the beginning of something extraordinary.
Neighbors became first responders. Local businesses became anchors. And slowly, together, we began to rebuild.
Now, one year later, we invite you to join us for a day of remembrance, gratitude, and hope—a Celebration of Resilience that honors the journey we’ve taken and the future we are creating together.
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Plan Your Visit and Support Local Community
We warmly invite you to visit Lake Lure and make it your hub for exploring the beauty of Western North Carolina. While the main lake is currently closed, several smaller lakes in the area remain open to residents and guests of nearby vacation rentals, offering serene settings for a quiet getaway.
Your visit is more than a retreat—it's a way to support our local businesses as they work to rebuild and recover. Whether you’re planning to hike, explore charming small towns, or simply relax, Lake Lure welcomes you with open arms.
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Resources For Local Businesses
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our local businesses are showing incredible resilience and determination to rebuild. Our goal is to help business owners access the support they need quickly and efficiently, so they can focus on what matters most—getting back to serving our community and visitors.Please see the section below for a list of grants, loans, and other support available.​ -
Help Our Community Rebuild
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Our community’s recovery depends on the generosity and support of people like you. Donations to our primary local organizations dedicated to rebuilding efforts in the Lake Lure area can make a meaningful difference.
An important step that we made, with a small local group of business owners, leaders, and residents, has been to focus much of our attention on supporting the formation of a 501(c)(3). This Charitable Non-profit is strictly missioned to support our area businesses through not only this crisis but in an on-going effort through all of the ups and downs of our region. Feel free to check out their website http://www.foundation4lakelurechimneyrock.org
For those looking to lend a hand, there are also volunteer opportunities available through various churches and visiting organizations.
We encourage you to explore these opportunities on your own to find the best way to contribute. Every effort helps bring us one step closer to restoring the place we all love.
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CHAMBER NEWS
Lake Lure Businesses Take Note: Rural Rebuilding Together Grant
The Rural Rebuilding Together Grant Fund offers direct grants to businesses who suffered direct physical damage from Hurricane Helene, and which are located within the central business districts of the following communities: Bakersville, Canton, Lake Lure, Old Fort, Spruce Pine
The Fund aims to help rebuild and restore the region’s unique and diverse local business communities and retain & re-hire the talented people who work at these businesses.
Eligible businesses may request up to $25,000 in grant funding to cover their costs associated with the storm that were not fully covered by insurance or other funding sources.
Application Deadline: April 20th
Awards Announced: May 9thAPPLY HERE: https://www.mountainbizworks.org/rural-rebuilding-together-grant-fund/
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The Chamber Partners with new Foundation Dedicated To Businesses
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene struck the Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and Bat Cave areas, devastating local businesses and livelihoods. While the community's natural beauty and charm sparked an outpouring of support, it quickly became clear that recovery efforts lacked coordination and focus. To address this challenge, a group of passionate locals and organizations came together to form the Foundation for Lake Lure/Chimney Rock Area Businesses, with the mission to foster long-term sustainability and resilience in the region.
Now, the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge is proudly partnering with the Foundation to support the rebuilding and development of businesses in our area. By combining resources, expertise, and a shared vision, this partnership will help unite the community, strengthen the local economy, and ensure that the businesses of Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and Bat Cave not only recover but thrive for generations to come. Through collaboration, dedication, and the support of those who love this area, we are determined to help our community Rise, Build, and Thrive.
DONATE TODAY: https://foundation4lakelurechimneyrock.com/home
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RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES
​BUSINESS FINANCIAL SUPPORT
- https://www.mountainbizworks.org/helene/fund/
- https://lending.sba.gov/search-disaster/?disaster=NC-20007
- https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
- https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/by-category-or-agency
- https://www.usa.gov/disaster-financial-help
Assistance for Individual Property and Businesses
- On September 29, FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of North Carolina, including Rutherford County, to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Helene. The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
- FEMA Disaster Assistance for Individuals and Businesses: Grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App.
US Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance: Loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits affected by the disaster. This includes:
- Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
- Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses for repairing or replacing disaster-damaged property, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery, and equipment. Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations are eligible.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Working capital loans available to help small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their financial obligations during a disaster recovery period.
Grants
- Truist Foundation: Our grants support medium- and long-term recovery and resilience-building efforts in communities affected by natural and human-made hazards, including conflicts and humanitarian crises. We do not accept unsolicited proposals. The results of our assessments determine which nonprofit organizations will be invited to apply for funding. Learn more about our grantmaking process. https://disasterphilanthropy.org/funds/truistfoundation/
- RHI Legacy Foundation: RHI Legacy is committed to impacting health and wellness in Rutherford County by making grants to support organizations and initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s grant focus areas: Chronic disease, Healthy Eating, Active Living. www.rhilegacyfoundation.com
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The Community Foundation for Western NC (CFWNC) Hurricane Helene Relief and Recovery Effort: (Regional Funders, Donors and Others Coordinating for Hurricane Relief in Western North Carolina). CFWNC activated its Emergency and Disaster Response Fund to accept and disburse funds supporting a regional response and relief efforts in 18 counties of Western North Carolina including the Qualla Boundary on September 29. Funds ensure that nonprofits have the resources they needed for the critical early response and continuing recovery. Administrative fees are waived so that every dollar goes directly to assistance. *To donate by check: make your check payable to The Community Foundation and mail it to 4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Ste. 300, Asheville, NC 28803; please include EDRF in the memo line. $17,498,653 in 394 Grants Awarded as of 1/1/25. To apply for a grant visit: https://cfwnc.org/initiatives/hurricane-helene-relief-and-recovery
- North Carolina Community Foundation: Bringing together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about. Mission: to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities. The North Carolina Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund aims to provide assistance in the months and years ahead. “Our Disaster Relief Fund is going to be providing help with long-term recovery and unmet needs. It will complement the work already underway in western North Carolina with grants going out to organizations in early 2025,” said NCCF President and CEO Jennifer Tolle Whiteside. More than $10 million has been raised so far for the Disaster Relief Fund, including a $7.5 million gift from Lilly Endowment Inc. Visit the following link to apply for a grant: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=nccommunityfoundation
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Support the Chamber and Our Local Businesses
You Deserve A Great Getaway!
Looking for the perfect getaway that gives back? When you book your next adventure with one of the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge's special trips, you're not just treating yourself to an unforgettable experience—you’re directly supporting our local community's recovery efforts.
Hurricane Helene left its mark, and we’re dedicated to helping our business members access the resources they need to bounce back. By choosing a Chamber getaway, you're lending a hand to our beloved local businesses as they rebuild stronger than ever.
Enjoy the beauty of Hickory Nut Gorge and know that each trip you book is a step toward revitalizing our community.
Book your getaway today and make a lasting difference!Secure your dream getaway now with our exclusive Book It Now options!
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