News Summary
Central Texas has recently faced devastating flooding, putting local businesses at risk. LiftFund has mobilized over $1 million in emergency funding to help affected businesses recover. This initiative, supported by organizations like Wells Fargo and H-E-B, includes emergency grants and zero-interest loans. LiftFund’s programs aim to assist both directly impacted business owners and those indirectly affected by the disaster, emphasizing community resilience and comprehensive recovery solutions. Residents can apply for funding through LiftFund’s accessible application process.
Texas has seen a significant mobilization of resources to aid small businesses affected by devastating flooding in the Hill Country region. LiftFund has announced over $1 million in emergency funding intended to help stabilize and restore operations for local establishments impacted by this natural disaster.
The funding is made possible through generous contributions from organizations such as Wells Fargo, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, and H-E-B. This financial assistance is directed toward two new recovery initiatives under LiftFund’s Hill Country Disaster Recovery Initiative.
Among the resources available are emergency grants of up to $10,000 and zero-interest loans designed to support business owners as they navigate the challenges of resuming normal operations. This form of assistance aims not only to keep businesses afloat but also to ensure that families remain in their homes and to foster a sense of community resilience.
In April, LiftFund expanded its efforts in collaboration with CDFI Friendly Fort Worth to introduce an Interest Buy-Down Program, providing loans of up to $100,000 at a 0% interest rate. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to help affected business owners regain their footing.
Programs for Recovery
Two primary programs have been established to offer relief: the Hill Country Emergency Grant Program and the Hill Country Disaster Relief Loan Program. The Emergency Grant Program specifically provides financial aid to small business owners and employees who have experienced direct impacts from the flooding. Beyond immediate financial relief, it extends support to those indirectly affected by the disaster, including individuals who have lost loved ones or suffered significant property damage.
The Disaster Relief Loan Program allows business owners access to zero-interest loans with flexible repayment options. These funds can be utilized to cover temporary closures, replace inventory, support cleanup efforts, or maintain essential business functions during the recovery process. Interested business owners can apply for funding via liftfund.com/hill-country-relief or by contacting LiftFund directly at 888-215-2372.
Flood Impact and Disaster Response
As of July 10, 2025, the flash floods in Central Texas have resulted in at least 81 confirmed fatalities, including the tragic loss of 28 children from Kerr County. Local authorities, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, have warned residents of ongoing risks due to the possibility of additional rainfall.
In response to the scale of the disaster, President Trump has signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, which enables the provision of federal disaster relief efforts. Individuals with flood insurance are encouraged to file their claims within 60 days of the flooding incidents. For those facing difficulties with their insurers, the Texas Department of Insurance offers assistance through their helpline at 1-800-252-3439.
FEMA Assistance and Support
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located at First Baptist Church in Kerrville. This center will operate from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting Thursday, providing a venue for residents to seek assistance. Notably, non-Kerr County residents can also apply for aid if their properties were damaged during the flooding.
Eligible FEMA assistance can include temporary housing, home repair, and help with property losses. Homeowners and renters are advised to apply for Individual Assistance under major disaster declaration DR-4879-TX. It is also recommended to keep receipts of cleanup and related purchases to facilitate the assistance application.
In addition to FEMA’s aid, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has begun offering low-interest loans to support recovery for affected businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters. It is crucial for applicants to note that FEMA assistance cannot duplicate benefits already provided by insurance policies, ensuring that relief is equitable and well-distributed.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fort Worth Inc.
- Google Search: Texas Floods
- News Journal
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Express News
- Google News: Texas Flood
- Texas Hill Country
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Natural Disasters
- KSAT
- Google Scholar: Disaster Recovery
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
