Build the Hill is UNC's student-run microfinance organization. We are a non-profit that provides interest-free loans to local entrepreneurs around the North Carolina Triangle. Our goal is to empower small business owners who may not have access to traditional credit services, ultimately strengthening our local community and economy. Build the Hill is a student organization of UNC Chapel Hill, affiliated with the UNC Campus Y, with a highly motivated team of students with various academic and professional backgrounds.

While based in Chapel Hill, Build the Hill is dedicated to improving the small business community across the state of North Carolina. After the devastating destruction of Hurricane Helene, we decided to expand our services to the Western NC region. This new project, "Building Back," strives to support business owners in recovery and rebuilding efforts through financial assistance. We believe that seemingly small amounts of money can make tremendous impacts, when given to specific projects.

Build the Hill typically only provides micro-loans, however we are introducing “micro-grants” for this project. We will still provide a few micro-loans in WNC with deferred repayments to businesses that suffered intermittent damage, using our existing funds. However, we are currently raising money to provide grants with no repayments for businesses that are facing more long term damage.

100% of the funds from this Go Fund Me will go to WNC small business owners in the form of multiple micro-grants. Build the Hill’s members will work directly with small businesses to figure out the best way to donate and if we can provide any other assistance, such as our consulting services. We are aiming to raise $15,000 in order to offer grants that support various projects in a variety of impacted areas. Examples of projects include purchasing new equipment, relocation costs, rebuilding infrastructure, and getting access to clean water.

We would greatly appreciate your support in helping us reach our goal. Your donation will directly help small business owners recover from the tragedy of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. As a microfinance organization, we know that even small amounts of money can make meaningful impacts, so please donate any amount that you can. Thank you so much for contributing to this important cause.