Stronger Together:
Rebuilding The Hickory Nut Gorge!

A joint message from The Chamber and The Foundation for Lake Lure/Chimney Rock Area Businesses:

All of us in the Hickory Nut Gorge community know only too well the indescribable pain of a natural disaster. Our hearts go out to our neighbors in Texas during this incredibly challenging and deeply painful time. We hold them in our thoughts and prayers as they put one foot in front of the other. We express our deepest sympathy and unwavering support as they struggle through the days ahead, keenly aware of the kinship we share as fellow survivors of a tragedy that hopefully only a few will have to ever experience.

To the residents and businesses of Kerr County and surrounding communities, 

While the full extent may not be understood by all, we feel your pain. Please know that you are not alone. We stand in solidarity with you and acknowledge your strength and resilience.

This is a challenging, excruciating, gut wrenching chapter best understood by those who have experienced similar unimaginable tragedy. You have already shown much strength and courage. We wish you continued strength as you face the challenges ahead. We are here for you, as are so many who truly care. Welcome their support. Open your hearts to those who will come to your aid. In our darkest days, the love and outpouring of support from strangers near and far helped to get us through — and is still, nearly a year later, helping to get us through. 

With heartfelt sympathy and a shared sense of humanity,

Your friends at The Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce, The Foundation for Lake Lure/Chimney Rock Area Businesses, and the greater Hickory Nut Gorge community of North Carolina.

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 9th

APPLY HERE: https://www.mountainbizworks.org/rural-rebuilding-together-grant-fund/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

​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

•  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

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!