New Relief Program Helps Hill Country Small Businesses Rebuild

LiftFund, a San Antonio-based nonprofit lender, stands ready with funding and support.

SAN ANTONIO, July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of the devastating flood disaster that occurred in Kerr County and surrounding areas, LiftFund extends its deepest sympathy to the families, business owners, and community members impacted by this unprecedented event.

"As a mission-driven nonprofit committed to advancing small business success and economic resilience, LiftFund stands ready to support local entrepreneurs as they navigate stabilization and recovery," said Amy Hereford, President & CEO of LiftFund. "In times of crisis, small businesses are often the first to respond, offering vital services and stability to their communities even as they face tremendous challenges themselves. With many operating on razor-thin margins, disasters like this highlight the critical need for accessible, affordable support."

Nonprofit lenders, such as LiftFund, which offer both loan and grant programs, are uniquely positioned to ensure that recovery resources reach the businesses that need them most, when they need them most. After major disasters, affected small businesses often struggle to access legitimate, affordable capital and are at risk of being targeted by predatory lenders or fraudulent schemes. LiftFund has decades of experience providing trusted, rapid, and impactful emergency capital to small businesses in disaster-affected areas, having deployed hundreds of millions in disaster-relief funding with a focus on integrity and support for the most vulnerable entrepreneurs. LiftFund is the nation's nonprofit leader on effective disaster relief efforts for small businesses, through purpose-built systems that ensure integrity, speed, and accountability. These capabilities accelerate recovery and help safeguard communities from the costly failures seen in past disasters.

To support affected entrepreneurs, LiftFund is launching the Hill Country Disaster Relief Program, offering affordable financing and critical technical assistance. As an immediate response, LiftFund will offer 5% interest loans, which are well below the market rate, to qualified small businesses in Kerr County and nearby areas impacted by the storm. Additionally, small business owners who have suffered flood-related tragedies because of the Kerr County storms, such as the loss of a loved one or property, will also be eligible for assistance.

LiftFund has a strong track record in disaster response, having supported small businesses through the pandemic and several natural disasters, including Hurricanes Katrina, Harvey, and Beryl, as well as the Los Angeles wildfires. The organization deploys capital quickly and equitably to help businesses in crisis regain their footing.

"Because of our success in getting funding to people quickly and efficiently in times like these, LiftFund is an organization donors trust when they're looking for ways to help," Hereford said. "We're currently looking to partner with philanthropists and corporations to help expand our support program to include zero-interest rate loans and recovery grants for small business owners in these affected areas."

"Every small business restored does more than rebuild the local economy; it keeps families housed, meals on tables, children learning, and entire communities moving forward with dignity and hope," said Hereford.

Impacted small business owners seeking assistance are encouraged to contact LiftFund at 888-215-2372 or visit www.liftfund.com for information on recovery loan options, technical support, and resources to help navigate the aftermath of the disaster.

LiftFund is seeking donations to support small businesses through its website at: donate.liftfund.com. Donors and organizations interested in partnering on a grant or loan program should contact Caitlin Cowart-de Leon at 210-609-5109.

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