Rotarian Wayne Uecker opened the program with a reminder of how businesses support the local economy. A significant number of businesses do not recover after a natural disaster, and those that do can help the community build resiliency in the months following the disaster.
Mindy Jimenez, VP of Development of Lift Fund, explained that the non-profit’s mission is to provide financial resources to small businesses. In the past few years, their services have expanded to include support for businesses after natural disasters.
Mindy related that Lift Fund has been active in the Kerrville area since shortly after the July 4, 2025 flood. They provide grants and 0% interest loans to businesses affected by the disaster. The funds are available to those whose businesses were damaged by the flood waters, as well as those who were affected by loss of business income due to the impact of the diminished local economy during the last year. They have partnered with The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, and applications may be completed online at LiftFund
The funds can be used for rebuilding expenses, replacement of damaged or lost equipment and general operating expenses.