New initiative will stabilize and grow small businesses across Kerr County
KERRVILLE, TX—Today, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country announced a $10 million grant to LiftFund, a national nonprofit based in San Antonio, that will stabilize and grow small businesses impacted by the July 4, 2025 floods. The initiative is designed to provide fast, flexible financial assistance to businesses with physical damage and facing disruptions, revenue loss and delayed reopenings.
“Small businesses are essential to the Hill Country’s recovery,” said Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation. “They create jobs, anchor our local economy, and provide the everyday services our communities rely on. This partnership with LiftFund fills a critical gap by helping businesses stabilize, reopen and retain employees. It reflects our commitment to rebuilding not just infrastructure, but the daily life and economic vitality of the Hill Country.”
The new initiative builds on previous investments the Community Foundation has made in supporting local small businesses affected by the flood. In the first two months of the recovery, the Community Foundation granted a total of $5 million to the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the West Kerr County Chamber of Commerce and the Comfort Area Foundation in addition to LiftFund that provided emergency stabilization grants to over 550 small businesses in Kerr County and Comfort, Texas. Businesses that previously received disaster funding may qualify for additional assistance based on documented needs.
“Every business we support is part of a larger community comeback,” said Amy Hereford, CEO of LiftFund. “This funding allows us to meet businesses where they are and respond quickly with practical, people-first support. By helping owners stabilize operations, retain employees and bridge short-term gaps, we can support recovery that is fair, effective and rooted in the real needs of this community.”
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has raised $150 million in the six months since the flood to support long-term recovery across the region. Funds are being directed toward housing, mental health and broader community resilience efforts to ensure a strong and equitable recovery. “Recovery isn’t measured by dollars alone, it’s measured by whether a business can open its doors, pay its workers and keep hope alive. We’re going to continue showing up, investing resources where they make a difference and doing the hard work of recovery until the Hill Country is not just back on its feet, but standing stronger than before,” said Dickson.
Need help? LiftFund is on-site at 98 Coronado Drive inside the Kerr Together Disaster Relief Center, where business owners can access capital, guidance and direct support in one place.
Learn more and apply at https://www.liftfund.com/kerr-county-small-business-recovery-program
Additional quotes for attribution
“This is a lifeline for the businesses that make our towns run,” said Dr. Karen Taylor, executive director of the West Kerr County Chamber of Commerce. “Many rural and family-owned businesses operate with limited margins, and disasters like this hit them especially hard. The flexible design of this support reflects a real understanding of what recovery looks like in our communities and gives local businesses a practical path forward.”
“Small businesses are the backbone of the Hill Country’s economy, and their recovery drives our region’s overall stability,” said Todd Bock, executive director of the Kerr Economic Development Corp. “When disasters disrupt cash flow, workforce stability, and customer access, even strong businesses can struggle. Access to flexible, affordable capital is critical for small businesses recovering from disaster, and tools like LiftFund give our local economy a real chance to stabilize and grow.”
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About Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country is a 501(c)(3) public charitable foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life across the Hill Country region by connecting charitable donors with community needs. Based in Kerrville and serving 10 counties, the Foundation manages a diverse portfolio of funds and grants that support local nonprofits, academic scholarships and community initiatives. Since its founding in 1982, the Foundation has worked to strengthen communities, inspire generosity and create lasting positive impact for current and future generations. For more information, visit www.communityfoundation.net.
About LiftFund
LiftFund is one of the nation’s most trusted and experienced nonprofit small business lenders, dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and advancing economic prosperity. For over 30 years, LiftFund has driven billions in economic impact by providing responsible loans, managing impactful grant programs, and delivering accessible financial education. With a commitment to listening, partnering, and offering flexible, mission-driven support, LiftFund helps entrepreneurs build strong businesses and resilient communities. For more information, visit LiftFund.com and follow us on social media or @LiftFundUS.
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