Eight weeks after the July floodwaters surged through the Hill Country, many Kerr County entrepreneurs are still fighting to get back on their feet. The damage has forced some businesses to close permanently, while others are scrambling to stay open with limited resources.

Local firms rely on grants and community help

Texas Power and Controls, a generator supplier located on Goat Creek Road near Interstate 10, was among the hardest hit when the creek turned into a raging river. Office manager Kathryn Stafford described the scene as “heartbreaking” for the company’s owner, who has been running the business for years.

“I’ve been with the company for almost two years now, and it’s just heartbreaking to see how hard this hit him,” Stafford said. “We moved a lot of stuff out of here, whatever we could save. We used my home for about a month to set up the office so we could get our guys back out as soon as possible.”

The company employs eight people, and the loss of its original location threatened payroll and the livelihood of those families. “There has been nothing,” Stafford recalled. “We were barely thinking that we would be able to make payroll.”

Grant assistance eases the burden

Fortunately, Texas Power and Controls secured a grant from LiftFund, a nonprofit that has allocated $5 million to flood‑affected businesses across the region. The Kerrville Chamber of Commerce has also distributed assistance to 32 of the 70 businesses that applied for help.

According to the Chamber, 119 Kerr businesses suffered damage in the July event, including 102 within Kerrville city limits. Of those, 25 were destroyed or suffered major damage.

“All of us are in it together, so we’re going to keep pushing forward,” Stafford said, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that has emerged among local owners.

Owners turn to savings and community support

Many entrepreneurs have tapped personal savings to keep doors open while they await possible state or federal aid. Others remain shuttered, uncertain if they will ever reopen.

Community members can aid recovery by patronizing affected businesses, purchasing goods, or hiring services as these firms rebuild. The collective effort helps preserve jobs and sustains the economic fabric of Kerr County.

Looking ahead

While the flood recovery process is ongoing, the combination of private grants, Chamber assistance, and neighborhood loyalty offers a path forward for the hardest‑hit businesses. Continued support from residents and local leaders will be essential to ensure that Kerr County’s small‑business backbone remains strong.

Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.