Small Business Center aids displaced retailers
By: Mike Gavin
Published: July 03, 2025
MILL SPRING (June 26, 2025) – In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Tryon International Equestrian Center made space available for 20 retail businesses from the decimated village of Chimney Rock, so those businesses could survive.
In June, TIEC had to start charging rent, which created an obstacle in recovery for many of them.
That’s when the Small Business Center at Isothermal Community College stepped in.
“We were able to match a generous disaster relief gift from Wells-Fargo to be able to cover the rent for these businesses for the month of June in the amount of $9,304,” said SBC Director Sarah Crank. “This very much aligns with our mission of helping local small businesses thrive.”
Some of these businesses began moving back to rebuilt storefronts in Chimney Rock last week.
Crank urges community members to continue to drop by the Tryon International Equestrian Center on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. to support these small businesses. They are located on the 2nd floor of the International Pavillion.
For more information on the ICC Small Business Center, visit https://www.isothermal.edu/industry/sbc