PRESS RELEASE:
Since its launch earlier this year, the Mitchell County Development Foundation’s Small Business Resiliency Fund has awarded grants to 53 Mitchell County Businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. To date, over half of these businesses have fully or partially reopened with many of the remaining businesses planning to complete repairs by the end of 2025.
Since January, the Mitchell County Development Foundation distributed $1,273,700.00 to local small businesses for building, fixture, and equipment repairs. The MCDF secured these funds via generous donations from individuals, churches, and businesses across the United States as well as grants received from local and national organizations.
The MCDF would like to extend very special thanks to the Samuel L. Phillips Family Foundation and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s Truist Foundation Western North Carolina Recovery and Resiliency Fund for their support.
“We are so proud of the progress we’ve made to date—including the distribution of more than $1.27 million to businesses across the county affected by Helene. I am especially happy to report that we have been able to provide significant grants to many small businesses in remote parts of the county.
In addition to providing grant funding, the MCDF also provided free workspace to six businesses completely flooded after Helene tore through downtown Spruce Pine. I am thrilled to report all of these businesses have now re-opened in permanent locations in downtown Spruce Pine and are optimistic for the future. All of us at the Mitchell County Development Foundation want to express our deep appreciation to the many individuals, businesses, and organizations across the region who have donated to support our work.”
—Jeff Gouge, President
Mitchell County Development Foundation
“As we near the anniversary of Tropical Storm Helene, Mica Gallery wishes to thank the Mitchell County Development Foundation and our other supporters for grant funding that helped the gallery remain open throughout the year to serve artists and the community. These funds help us to know that we are an asset to Mitchell County and the surrounding area. These resources provided an infusion of cash for repairs and operations and also some much-needed moral support and encouragement.”
—Robbie Bell, President
Mica Gallery
“Thank you so much for the grant funding. It will really help. I hope others who lost so much were able to get funded also. Thank you so much for letting us use the free working space in downtown Spruce Pine. It has really been a blessing to have a sense of normalcy.”
—MCDF Grant Recipient
The $1,273,700.00 distributed via 99 grants in three rounds of grantmaking:
- Round one: 29 grants totaling $191,500.00
- Round two: 39 grants (21 to new grantees and 18 to returning grantees) totaling $527,700.00
- Round three: 31 grants (3 to new grantees and 28 returning grantees) totaling $554,500.00
Despite all of our successes, there continues to be a great need for future funding. Donors wishing to support the foundation’s efforts can make a contribution at the MCDF website. 100% of the funds received will be used to help business recovery in Mitchell County.
Finally, the MCDF is thrilled to be partnering with Hilloween for Hilloween’s 2025 Benefit Concert. The concert’s headliner is OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW, which got its start right here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Join America’s most beloved old-time string band as they sing their signature song “Wagon Wheel,” share their newest hits, and celebrate the history and mystery of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- WHEN: Saturday October 25; see complete event schedule below.
- WHERE: Three Peaks Enrichment Center: 97 Pinebridge Avenue in Spruce Pine, NC.
- TICKETS: Tickets cost $30.00 and can be purchased here.
100% of funds received will be donated directly to the Mitchell County Development Foundation. Hilloween has covered all costs of this concert, with no financial obligation to the Mitchell County Development Foundation, the county itself, or the town of Spruce Pine.
ABOUT THE MITCHELL COUNTY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION: For more than 20 years, the Mitchell County Development Foundation has supported the people, businesses, and community organizations of Mitchell County, NC. The Foundation is a community-based organization that raises tax deductible funds to support businesses in Mitchell County, NC. The foundation’s sole focus now is hurricane rebuilding efforts; 100% of received donated funds will be distributed directly to businesses in Mitchell County affected by Hurricane Helene. www.mitchellcountydevelopmentfoundation.org
