Small Business Center at Isothermal Community College aids displaced retailers at WNC Main Street at Tryon International

Edited Press Release

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. Tryon International made a commitment to make the second floor of the International Pavilion - a 25,000 square-foot indoor space - available for nine months at no cost, and implemented a minimal rent in June for vendors who opted to continue their presence long-term at the indoor market.

The Small Business Center check presentation took place on June 26, 2025 at WNC Main Street.
Photo courtesy of the Small Business Center

While the rent charged by Tryon International is significantly reduced from typical vendor fees, and meant to cover utilities and operational costs for the space, the Small Business Center at Isothermal Community College stepped in to relieve what could have been an obstacle to recovery. 

“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 in June, while others are still navigating the recovery process or making judgements on what future plans will entail.

“We are dedicated to being an available resource for our WNC Main Street neighbors for as long as they need,” Tryon International’s Chief Operating Officer, Doug Grondahl, shared. “For those who remain in our International Pavilion, we will continue to support them as long as they need, and we are grateful to community partners like the Small Business Center who are joining that effort.”

Crank urges community members to continue to drop by the Tryon International Equestrian Center on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 10am-4pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-7pm to support these small businesses. They are located on the 2nd floor of the International Pavilion.

To view all WNC Main Street vendors, visit www.resort.tryon.com/wnc-main-street

For more information on the ICC Small Business Center, visit https://www.isothermal.edu/industry/sbc