Helping Hero’s Fund

The intent of Region A.H.E.A.D. has evolved to continuously support our community through the pandemic and is now looking to give back to those who have spent countless hours taking care of the people of our community with a new initiative dubbed “Helping Heroes.”. Many of our healthcare workers have put themselves at risk in a variety of ways to provide care to COVID-19 patients in our community. Now it is  time for us to make sure that our doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and hospital custodial staff understand our level of appreciation for their care of our community members.

I want to…

Donate a meal or gift card to healthcare workers:
Send Email to Ballad Health
OR
Donate Financially

100% of all proceeds go towards supporting our regional

healthcare workers.

Welcome to the Appalachian Highlands Economic Aid Directory.

This site was created to give small businesses and the community a place to connect and learn how we can support one another during this time of uncertainty. We have compiled a list of small businesses that can use your support which you can view here. If you would like your business to be listed in this directory, please complete this short form. Let us know if you’re open, offering special dining options (to-go, curbside, delivery, etc), physically closed but offering online options, or any other news you feel would be important to communicate to our community.

We have a community resources page that includes information for businesses needing financial support, online guidance, resources such as hand sanitizer and food. You can additionally check out our live map listing all of the feeding sites that are open while Northeast Tennessee schools are closed, and you can fill out a form to volunteer to help those in need.

Our plans and day to day operations may have changed, but we’re working to keep folks informed on how we can still support local, enjoy the outdoors, and lean on our neighbors during this time of uncertainty.

Click here to review the Tennessee Pledge, and to see all businesses that have committed to it for a safe reopening.

The Tennessee Pledge
Tennessee Pledge Map

Local Business Recovery Fund

The COVID-19 Crisis is having a devastating impact to our region’s small businesses. Federal and State support is valued, but alone is not enough to protect jobs, preserve businesses or sense of community. Your chamber of commerce, industries and regional media are united in the rescue by raising funds for immediate grants to small businesses.

It is our desire to provide support to small businesses and sole proprietorships in the arts/entertainment/ recreation, accommodation and food services, retail trade, and manufacturing sectors.  You are eligible to apply for funding from Local Business Recovery Fund if you are an existing business whose operations have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 virus.

Restart Accelerator

Regional Entrepreneur Center, Sync Space, announced $50,000 for innovation program aimed at restarting our regional economy – Sync Space Entrepreneur Center and TSG Innovation Group, with support from Activated Capital, announced the Restart Accelerator, an innovation program to help small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program identifies, promotes, and nurtures companies with technology, products, and services that will overcome the challenges in the new economy and help implement these solutions for struggling businesses in our region.

Visit RestartOurRegion.com to learn more.

Personalized Support

I want to support non-profits
I need unemployment assistance
I need info about the paycheck protection program
I want to apply for a disaster loan

Support Small Businesses

I want to support a local business
I need help creating an e-commerce business page
I want to list my business
I need small business resources

Stay Up-To-Date

TN Department of Health
VA Department of Health
CDC Information: COVID-19 Protection & Guidelines

Tennessee and Virginia Support

Tennessee Businesses Resources
Virginia Businesses Resources
Tennessee Recovery Pledge

More Resources

Learn more about Private Sector PPE Donations
CDC Guidelines for Employers
COVID-19 Business Resources
COVID-19 Testing Sites (English and Spanish)