Several counties in Eastern Kentucky were devastated by flood waters again this February and April 2025. We hope the following list of resources is helpful to our small businesses and organizations as they continue to recover. We will be updating this list with new resources as they come in. That being said, there are many more resources out there we can connect you to. If you are struggling with a particular issue, please contact our Disaster Recovery Coordinator, Jessica Epperson at jessica@mtassociation.org for assistance.

Note: this webpage is catered to assistance available for small businesses and organizations. For individuals needing assistance, check here. If you would like to donate, please consider the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky’s Crisis Aid fund here. For volunteering opportunities, check here. 

Grants/Assistance: 

Businesses (in certain counties): 

Invest 606 Grant: Small businesses, farms, and social enterprises that have been impacted by the February 2025 flood are eligible to apply. Second round open to April 20, 2025.  https://www.appalachianky.org/flood/ 

Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Back to Business Fund $500-$1,500 grants are open to businesses in Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike. Details here. 

Big Sandy Area Development District is helping business owners in Johnson, Floyd, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike counties navigate disaster recovery, including eligibility for FEMA Individual Assistance, SBA disaster loans, and other financial aid. The program also provides hands-on support with applications, documentation, and long-term recovery planning. Details here. 

Farms:

Community Farm Alliance grants. Deadline: Sunday, April 27th at 11:59 p.m. ET.  Family-owned farms/cooperative farms with no more than 10 employees; Growing/producing food/edible products, including hay and silage for livestock; Have sales greater than $1,000 per year. Counties: Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Clinton, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Whitley, and Wolfe https://bit.ly/ekygrantapp

Restaurants & their employees: 

Southern Smoke Foundation funds people in the food & beverage industry in crisis, including those facing a natural disaster. This is for restaurant & bar workers, baristas, farmers, ranchers, winemakers, distillers, brewers, etc. Details on aid. 

Artists: 

CERF+ is a nonprofit offering $3,000 in emergency relief grants for artists that experienced an emergency or disaster. Apply here. 

Loans: 

Mountain Association 

The Mountain Association’s Recovery Loans can be a great option for your business or nonprofit, especially as we have limited funding available to make the principal repayments for you for 6-12 months. 0% interest for the first 12 months and then 3.75% if directly impacted; 0% the first six months and then 3.75% if indirectly impacted. Indirect impacts means that business operations or sales were harmed or reduced due to disaster impacts on the community. For example, if the water was off and a restaurant had to close as a result; if the business owner sustained damage of their residence that reduced time available for business activities; if sales were down due to disaster-related impacts at the community level, etc.  

We’re also happy to talk to you about other financial solutions to meet your recovery needs. Fill out the short application or call us if you’d like to talk. https://mtassociation.org/recovery-loan/  

Small Business Administration 

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low interest loans for those impacted by flooding. Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.563% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. Please find details here. 

Buy-Out Programs

A new FEMA Buyout Program has opened up for any property owner (residential or business) to sign up based on continued flooding or storm damage to your property. This program means you can voluntarily sell the property and land for a fair market value with the idea you relocate to a non-flood prone zone. Sign up at any Disaster Recovery Center in your community.

Sales Tax Refunds for Building Repairs

The Kentucky Department of Revenue’s Division of Sales and Use Tax has a program that allows those who were affected to apply for a refund of sales tax on building materials to repair or replace their home or business damaged in the disaster. It also covers the sales tax on a mobile home purchase. KRS 139.519 allows the affected homeowner/business owner to apply for a refund of up to $6,000 per building affected.  This refund program covers both the 2022 floods and the 2025 floods. Details here.

Rebuilding with cost savings in mind: 

Our team of energy experts put together this fact sheet on things you should consider if you are having to gut your building or replace equipment. Considering these tips can help you save on your energy bills when you get your doors back open: https://mtassociation.org/energy/rebuilding-with-cost-savings-in-mind/  

If you’d like us to visit your building to make recommendations, fill out our short application or give us a call: https://mtassociation.org/energy/  

Free Legal Support: 

Appalred

AppalRed provides free support for individuals on several items related to recovery, including FEMA appeals, unemployment insurance, contractor fraud, SNAPP and other benefits programs, etc. More here. 

Preparing Your Small Business for Death & Disaster Workshop: 

Our workshop series focused on preparing your business for the unexpected will take place in June. In the first half of this workshop, an attorney from AppalRed will cover critical topics such as planning for the death of a business owner, legal considerations, buy/sell arrangements, key person insurance, and estate planning. In the next half, the Mountain Association will explain how to safeguard your business in the face of natural disasters. Participants can sign up for free one-on-one consulting with an attorney after the training to cover remaining questions.

• Wednesday, June 11: Hazard (location: Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky office at 420 Main St)
• Thursday, June 12: London (location: Kentucky Highlands at 362 Old Whitley Rd)
• Tuesday, June 17: Ashland (location: KY Farmers Bank at 6313 US Rt 60)
• Wednesday, June 18: Prestonsburg (location: Big Sandy Area Development District at 110 Resource Dr)

Each workshop will run from 10-11:30am followed by an optional Q&A from 11:30-12pm.

Register here. 

Our hearts are with our mountain communities. 

– Mountain Association staff 

The post Flood Relief Resources  appeared first on Mountain Association.

Robin is from Gays Creek, a beautiful Perry County, Kentucky community in the heart of our service area and will continue to live there with her family. No stranger to our work, Robin has been Board Chair of the Mountain Association since 2019 and has spent her entire career serving this region. She joins us after five years as Chief Operating Officer for LKLP Community Action, an agency of more than 300 employees that serves Leslie, Knott, Letcher, and Perry counties. With more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Robin was also previously the Associate Executive Director of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky and the Director of Teach for America Appalachia.

“We know Robin will lead the Mountain Association with authenticity and innovation, two characteristics essential to the right leader for an organization that has adapted and evolved to best serve its communities for almost 50 years. Robin embodies everything we and the staff were looking for in the next President,” said Hasan Davis, Mountain Association’s Board Chair. 

The Mountain Association invests in people and places to advance a just transition to a new economy for Eastern Kentucky, and serves the region from its offices in Hazard, Prestonsburg and Berea. The organization’s work includes small business lending and technical assistance, support for clean energy projects, research, communications and advocacy for policy and narrative change, and collaborations with partners on a variety of community economic development projects.  

“I am thrilled to step into the presidency of Mountain Association. This position for me is about listening, learning, and lifting. Not only do we serve a region full of incredible community and business leaders, but Mountain Association is staffed with remarkable and thoughtful professionals who have shaped the organization into what it is today: a regional nonprofit with a national reputation for the good work it does,” Robin described. 

The Mountain Association also supports two affiliate organizations, Kentucky Natural Lands Trust and Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, and several fiscal sponsorships, all together totaling more than 50 employees.  

Outgoing president Peter Hille will remain on staff as CEO through April 2025 to ensure a seamless transition prior to his retirement.

Peter has served as President since 2015 and, like Robin, was also previously on the organization’s board prior to joining the staff. During his tenure, Peter has grown the Mountain Association’s work to include new lending products, expanded clean energy programming, and more equitable ways to support small businesses and nonprofits. 

“It has been an honor to have guided this organization in various capacities for more than two decades. I’m delighted to be passing the torch to Robin and I have full confidence that Mountain Association’s work will grow in new and exciting ways with her leadership,” Peter shared.

Welcome Robin!

The post Robin Gabbard to Lead Mountain Association As New President  appeared first on Mountain Association.

“The Mountain Association has a rich history of community economic development in Eastern Kentucky that dates back to 1976, and I’ve been honored to be a part of its legacy in building a bright future,” Peter said. “We have an amazing staff and serve incredible people doing awesome work to bring about real change. I feel really good about where we are as an organization today and where we are headed.” 

Peter has served our organization in various capacities for more than two decades. During his tenure, he has helped grow Mountain Association’s work in many ways, including new lending products, expanded clean energy work, more support for small businesses and nonprofits, and programs that allow for deeper community engagement. He also led the organization through planning and restructuring processes that ensure Mountain Association’s programs and policies align with the organization’s values of equity and inclusion. 

With Peter’s announcement in the fall, we launched a search for the next president with an application deadline of February 15, 2024. To help share more about our vision for the next stage of leadership, our staff recently collaborated to put together a short video describing some of the characteristics we’d love to see. We also put together a video featuring Peter as he describes more about what the position entails.

“Peter’s leadership over the last 30+ years has left an indelible mark on the region,” said Board Chair Robin Gabbard. “He has dedicated his life to building a just transition to a new economy in Appalachia. To ensure a smooth transition, our succession plan allows for the new president to have a full year of overlap with Peter ahead of his retirement.”

We’re looking forward to welcoming a new president and hope you’ll help us spread the word over the next week!

mtassociation.org/careers

The post Hiring the Next President of Mountain Association appeared first on Mountain Association.

The post Stories of Mountain Association appeared first on Mountain Association.

“The Mountain Association has a rich history of community economic development in Eastern Kentucky that dates back to 1976, and I’ve been honored to be a part of its legacy in building a bright future,” Peter said. “We have an amazing staff and serve incredible people doing awesome work to bring about real change. I feel really good about where we are as an organization today and where we are headed.” 

Peter has served our organization in various capacities for more than two decades. President since 2015, he initially joined Mountain Association’s board in 2003 and served as board treasurer and board chair before joining Mountain Association’s staff in 2012 as Executive Vice President. During his tenure, he has helped grow Mountain Association’s work in many ways, including new lending products, expanded clean energy work, more support for small businesses and nonprofits, and programs that allow for deeper community engagement. He also led the organization through planning and restructuring processes that ensure Mountain Association’s programs and policies align with the organization’s values of equity and inclusion. 

“Peter’s leadership over the last 30+ years has left an indelible mark on the region,” said Board Chair Robin Gabbard. “He has dedicated his life to building a just transition to a new economy in Appalachia. To ensure a smooth transition, our succession plan allows for the new president to have a full year of overlap with Peter ahead of his retirement.”  

Please stay tuned for further details in the coming weeks.  

If you would like to learn more about the Mountain Association in the meantime, please check out our 2021-2025 strategic plan and our 2022 impact report available here. 

The post Mountain Association President to Retire appeared first on Mountain Association.

With the funds, the Mountain Association, a nonprofit with offices in Berea, Hazard, and Prestonsburg, will hire a disaster recovery coordinator to support ongoing efforts in the region, continue and expand its free business consulting for disaster impacted businesses, along with its 0% percent interest flood recovery loans.

“What has buoyed the region during these hard times has been the small businesses and nonprofits deeply dedicated to and rooted in the region and willing to do the hard work of cleaning up: the community centers, the health clinics, the coffee shops, the local foods restaurants, the arts organizations,” said Mountain Association President Peter Hille. “These small businesses make up 99% of businesses in the state, and account for 44% of all employees.”

The Mountain Association also hopes to work with impacted businesses to develop disaster response plans and implement changes to their businesses to allow them to be more resilient when disaster or major disruption strikes again.

In addition to coordinating outreach to these businesses and organizations, the disaster recovery coordinator will work closely with the Long-Term Recovery Groups and Area Development Districts to add capacity. The disaster recovery coordinator position will be advertised via the Mountain Association’s careers webpage and other avenues in the coming weeks.

Hille said he was grateful that the EDA, which is a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is investing in Eastern Kentucky.

The mission of the EDA is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.

The post U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.2 Million to Support Disaster Recovery in Eastern Kentucky appeared first on Mountain Association.

Project Description 

In July, Mountain Association acquired the former First Federal Savings & Loan building at the intersection of Main and Lovern streets in downtown Hazard, KY. The building is approximately 11,800 square feet over three floors and is masonry construction. The building was originally three structures developed into one over time, stretching from the 1960’s to the mid 1980’s. It is located in the flood plain. Mountain Association has completed an Environmental Phase 1 and Phase 2 process, and environmental abatement has been completed. 

Mountain Association proposes to redevelop the property to mixed-use, utilizing the bottom level as multi-tenant commercial, with a preference for food & beverage service and office space for our local operations. The upper floors are envisioned as commercial meeting and office space and multiple residential units.   

While we do not anticipate seeking LEED certification, Mountain Association is very interested in clean, green materials and responsible and resilient design. Noting this building’s location, flood resilience is of interest. 

Mountain Association sees this project as a natural continuation of our commitment to revitalizing local communities and local economies.  We opened our Hazard office in 2011 and have been engaged with the local community on downtown revitalization efforts for many years.  We believe this project is an opportunity to demonstrate our values and also that the social return on investment can be as important as the financial return.   

About Mountain Association 

The Mountain Association invests in people and places in Eastern Kentucky to advance a just transition to a new economy that is more diverse, sustainable, equitable and resilient. 

We serve this mission in a number of ways. Our Lending team offers loans to existing and startup businesses and organizations. We are a Community Development Financial Institution certified by the US Treasury and we maintain a $20 million portfolio of loans to small businesses and nonprofits in Eastern Kentucky.  As a non-profit, we can offer greater flexibility and can lend to those who may not otherwise qualify.  Unlike most traditional lenders, we offer flexible payment schedules and a variety of other services. 

Our Business Support program connects business owners and nonprofit leaders to consultants who can help them succeed – from website development to professional photography, and more. 

Our Energy experts help businesses, nonprofits, public agencies and homeowners find much-needed energy savings. We do this through utility bill analysis, on-site energy efficiency and solar assessments, financing, and grant application support. 

We also engage in research, communications and advocacy for policy and narrative change, and work with partners on a variety of projects to demonstrate what’s possible in Eastern Kentucky. 

Budget & Timeline 

Mountain Association has approved a tentative budget of $2,750,000 for the overall project, including design and construction. 

Mountain Association recognizes the possibility of a multi-year / multi-phase process but would prefer to occupy the first floor as early as is reasonably possible.  

Request 

Mountain Association seeks qualified individual or firm to provide architectural services for the project under a scope of work to be negotiated and agreed upon between the parties, but should include: 

1. Feasibility & Analysis

• Document Existing Building  
• Review proposed programmatic uses and assumptions 
• Engage staff in a collaborative design process. 
• Work with client and trades to determine final uses. 

2. Project Design & Development 

• Develop all design documents for project, by phase (as appropriate). 
• Deliver construction budget estimates and update as needed. 
• Coordinate with trades throughout all stages of demolition and construction for needed information. 
• Coordinate with MA staff to ensure design meets energy efficiency requirements and appropriate specifications for renewable energy systems, primarily solar.   

Selection Process 

Mountain Association will review submitted proposals on a rolling basis and evaluate them based on criteria outlined further below beginning February 24^th, 2023.   Mountain Association may select the highest qualified proposal or interview a selection of firms based on proposals. Respondents seeking additional information or to schedule a site visit may contact Special Projects Manager Les Roll by email at les@mtassocation.org. 

Requirements for Proposals 

1. Information about the Individual / Firm 

• Name of Firm or Company 
• Address 
• Location of any Branch Offices 
• Telephone 
• Name, Email, and Telephone Number of Primary Contact 
• Name of Principal Architect and Architect Registration Number 
• Evidence of Liability Insurance and License to do business in Hazard and Perry County. 

2. Overview & Experience 

• Provide a brief history of your firm / practice and information about completed projects of a similar nature over the past 5 years.  
• Provide information about experience with projects located in the flood plain. 
• Provide information about projects completed in Eastern Kentucky in the past 5 years, if any. 

3. Summary Statement 

• Provide a summary statement of not more than one page which summarizes the reasons you feel your firm is best qualified for this project. 

4. Project Organization 

• Provide an organization chart which outlines key staff members and the roles you anticipate they will perform in the project.  

5. Ability to Complete Projects within Budget and On Time 

Choose three projects listed above that are most similar to this project and provide the following additional information: 

• Owner’s Construction Budget 
• Architect’s Construction Estimate 
• Total Cost of Project 
• Scheduled timeline for design activities 
• Actual timeline for design activities 

6. References 

• List not more than 5 client references of similar projects, providing a contact name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number.  If the reference project is not included in the information above, also provide a brief synopsis of the project. 

Submission Instructions 

Submissions should be received by February 24, 2023 by EOB, and are requested in the following format: 

1. PDF Copy emailed to 479main@mtassociation.org, addressed to Les Roll  

2. One physical copy, mailed to the following address:  

The post Request for Proposals from Architects appeared first on Mountain Association.

We are keeping this page up to date with all the latest information we have.

Please note this webpage is catered to assistance available for small businesses and organizations. If you would like to find a comprehensive list of information for individuals or places to donate or volunteer, please visit this list (compiled and updated frequently by our partners at Appalshop).

Work one-on-one with a consultant:

Our Business Support Services program is currently open to businesses and organizations that were impacted by the flooding. Mountain Association can hire a consultant to work one-on-one with you in your business recovery. Approved projects could include accounting/finance support, business coaching, strategic planning, marketing/crowdfunding training, and other additional industry-specific consultants you believe would be helpful in your recovery. Apply here or contact Jimmy Owsley at 859-671-0227 / jimmy@mtassociation.org with questions.

Funding for local governments/public agencies and nonprofits:

Our partner Vision Granted developed a list of funding opportunities and grants for the Floyd County Long-Term Recovery Group and offered to share it with others seeking funding for flood relief. This is a living document, so to suggest revisions or request access to edit the spreadsheet, email: visiongrantedconsulting@gmail.com 

Grants for individuals/families, as well as small farms and businesses:

The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky is offering grants to the following groups: $250 for individuals/families, and up to $10,000 for small farms, small businesses and more, here.

Community Farm Alliance grants. Deadline: Sunday, April 27th at 11:59 p.m. ET.  Family-owned farms/cooperative farms with no more than 10 employees; Growing/producing food/edible products, including hay and silage for livestock; Have sales greater than $1,000 per year. Counties: Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Clinton, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Whitley, and Wolfe https://bit.ly/ekygrantapp

Grants for restaurants / employees:

If your restaurant is experiencing hardship due to the flooding, has three stores or less, employs fewer than 50 employees per location, and has had revenues of $3M or less per location in the last 12 months, apply for a $10,000 grant at doordash.helloalice.com

Southern Smoke Foundation funds people in the food & beverage industry in crisis, including those facing a natural disaster. This is for restaurant & bar workers, baristas, farmers, ranchers, winemakers, distillers, brewers, etc. Details on aid.

Grants for artists:

CERF+ is a nonprofit offering emergency relief grants for materials-based craft and folk/traditional artists that experienced a recent, career threatening emergency, such as an illness, accident, fire or climate related disaster. Apply here.

Kentucky Arts Council has compiled a list of information available for musicians, actors, and other types of artists here.

Loans from the SBA and Mountain Association:

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low interest loans for those impacted by flooding. Interest rates are as low as 3.04 for businesses and 1.875 percent for nonprofit organizations. Please find details here.

Because we know the above options may take many days to sort through and get funds in your account, we want to provide an option to business owners and nonprofit leaders who need to cover expenses quickly. Eligible businesses & organizations can apply for a flood relief loan from Mountain Association for up to $5,000. Please find information here: https://mtassociation.org/lending/flood-relief/

FEMA assistance:

Find information on how to apply for FEMA support here. This is for uninsured or underinsured damage. It is said that having contractor quotes for the repairs needed is essential to getting more funding.

Wage reimbursements:

If your business or organization is supporting relief work, you may be able to get wage reimbursements for up to 12 months from Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program. Find details here.

Rebates and tax credits for efficient appliances and building materials:

There are many new incentives available through the Inflation Reduction Act both for equipment and building materials. For example, families needing to replace air conditioners, water heaters, or furnaces can save up to 30% with tax credits for efficient heating and cooling equipment. There are incentives for business owners and nonprofits, including some direct rebate and cash payment options. Read more here or contact Carrie with our energy team at carrie@mtassociation.org with questions..

Sales tax refunds:

Kentuckians in counties included in the federal disaster declaration for individual assistance are eligible to request a refund of Kentucky sales and use tax paid on the purchase of building materials.

The materials must be permanently installed to repair or replace structures damaged by flooding. The sales tax refunds are good for purchases made on or after the date of the disaster declaration for individual relief up to $6,000 in tax per building. More details and link to KY Revenue site here.

Supply Pick-up and Clean-up support:

Appalshop has a comprehensive list available of all the places offering supplies and clean-up support here.

**IMPORTANT: Please find this fact sheet on the proper way to mitigate mold. Note: bleach is NOT sufficient.

Free Legal Support:

AppalRed is providing free support for individuals on several items related to recovery, including FEMA appeals, unemployment insurance, SNAPP and other benefits programs, etc: https://t.co/kMrys4mEH0

Disaster Unemployment Assistance:

Residents who plan to file a claim for Disaster Unemployment Assistance should first file a traditional unemployment insurance claim. Information here.

Get your questions answered:

Any small business is invited to join this private Facebook page monitored by the Kentucky Small Business Development Center, along with Mountain Association and many other partners.

Our hearts are with our mountain communities.

– Mountain Association staff

The post Flood Relief Resources appeared first on Mountain Association.

FUNDING SUMMARY: EKSafe Funds, SSHB 1/GA

The post $200 Million EKSafe Fund for Flood Relief appeared first on Mountain Association.

We are proud to share our annual impact report summarizing our work for the year.

Though our work is based around supporting Eastern Kentuckians, our thoughts are with communities in the western part of the state during these heavy days. If you are able to give monetarily, the Community Foundation of West Kentucky is collecting donations for both immediate and longer term relief. Please find information here.

We are grateful for your continued support, and hope you’ll continue to follow our progress.

Best wishes for the holiday and the new year from all of us here at the Mountain Association!

The post Our Impact in 2021 appeared first on Mountain Association.