Transylvania County is a special place. Our small businesses are at the heart of who we are and the driving force for our local economy. They represent people who love Transylvania County enough to stake their livelihood in our community.
These businesses, who have served and supported residents and visitors for so long, are under significant threat. Now, itโs our turn to serve and support them. If we want a vibrant community tomorrow, we must act today. The Transylvania Tomorrow Emergency Relief Fund will provide that action.
The Tranyslvania Tomorrow Small Business Emergency Relief fund is an initiative created by the Transylvania Business Support Task Force to support Transylvania County small businesses during the COVID-19 epidemic. The program, which will be funded through the Community Focus Foundation 501(c)(3) will award grants up to $3,000.
How can I donate?
Businesses and organizations who are interested in supporting Transylvania Countyโs small business community during this time of crisis, please contact Heart of Brevard Executive Director, Nicole Bentley at [email protected] or Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Clark Lovelace at [email protected]
Individuals may donate online, here, or by mailing a check to The Community Focus Foundation (CFF) at P.O. Box 215, Brevard, NC 28712 and noting Transylvania Tomorrow Fund.
The CFF is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization, publicly supported organization serving Transylvania County. All gifts are tax deductible.
Who is eligible for the grant funds?
Businesses eligible for a Transylvania Tomorrow grant must meet the following criteria:
Must be in good standing with regard to state and local taxes and licenses
Must have less than 50 full-time employees
Must have had a minimum reduction of 25% in revenue due to COVID-19
Preference is given to businesses that:
Are independently owned
Have been operational for 12 months or more
Have a brick and mortar location
Have the greatest level of need
Are headquartered and with primary operations in Transylvania County
Eligible uses of funds: payroll (exclusive of owner compensation), utilities, rent, mortgage payments, insurance, or similar expenses, and products directly used in production of a product for sale.
Applicants must be willing to provide all information required on the application, plus supporting documentation if requested
Applicants must be willing to complete a survey providing details on the current state of their business and impact of grant funds both six-months and one-year after receiving funds
How do I apply?
Applications will be reviewed starting April 24. The Task Force will continue to review applications every two weeks, or until funds are depleted. The review committee is made up of representatives from the Transylvania Economic Alliance, Heart of Brevard, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce, Blue Ridge Community College Small Business Center, Transylvania County Tourism and Community Focus Foundation. Applications will be scored on a point system based on the above criteria.
Please fill out the online application form, here.
You may also, print out the application form, here, then fill it out and mail to:
The Heart of Brevard
c/o Transylvania Tomorrow
175 E. Main Street
Brevard, NC 28712
