Wells Fargo, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, and H-E-B fund urgent recovery programs
SAN ANTONIO, July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent flooding in Kerrville and surrounding areas led to mass devastation and tragic loss of life. And many of those affected are small business owners who are navigating the aftermath of unimaginable loss.
"When small businesses suffer, so does the entire community," said Amy Hereford, President and CEO of LiftFund. "Recovery of these businesses keeps families in their homes, meals on tables, and it gives people a sense of strength reclaimed."
Now, thanks to over $1 million in emergency funding – from Wells Fargo, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, and H-E-B, LiftFund is delivering immediate disaster relief through small business grants and interest-free loans.
"It's the incredible support from our partners that makes it possible to deliver immediate financial relief to entrepreneurs facing the heartbreak of personal and community loss on top of economic uncertainty," Hereford said.
Together, LiftFund and its partners will launch two new relief programs under the Hill Country Disaster Recovery Initiative.
"In responding to this tragic event, we recognize the needs of those impacted will go beyond meeting their immediate survival needs but also beginning the process of rebuilding lives and communities that were devastated," said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. "We are proud to support critical organizations doing important disaster relief and recovery work, such as those included in this first phase, as they spearhead the work to address these needs. We pledge our commitment to support their ongoing efforts and, together, we can help advance the recovery for the people and places that are grieving and beginning the journey to rebuild a brighter future."
The Hill Country Emergency Grant Program will provide grant funding up to $10,000 to eligible small businesses and employees located in affected areas, as well as business owners outside the affected areas whose businesses have been severely impacted by flood-related tragedies, such as the loss of a loved one or significant property damage.
The Hill Country Disaster Relief Loan Program offers zero-interest loans with flexible repayment terms to help small businesses recover and rebuild. Eligible applicants include businesses located in affected areas that have experienced operational disruption due to the disaster.
Both grant and loan funds may be used to replace lost inventory, cover expenses resulting from temporary closures, support flood-related cleanup, and maintain essential business functions during the recovery period.
"Small businesses are the heartbeat of a community," said Darlene Goins, president of the Wells Fargo Foundation. "It's important to shore up resources during difficult times to facilitate small businesses staying open or rebuilding in the aftermath of a disaster, and LiftFund has decades of experience to lean on in serving those impacted small business owners."
LiftFund has administered hundreds of millions in funding nationwide to support small businesses impacted disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina, Beryl and Harvey, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Los Angeles wildfires.
Small business owners affected by the Hill Country floods are encouraged to visit the program website at https://www.liftfund.com/hill-country-relief/ to apply or call 888-215-2372 for assistance.
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.
SOURCE LiftFund
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