Camping World CEO Creates Fund To Help Businesses Impacted By RV Explosion

As Nashville reels from the Christmas Day explosion, many surrounding businesses are figuring out the first steps toward recovery. One TV personality and entrepreneur is doing what he can to help them get started.

Following news of the explosion, Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis launched the "Nashville 30 Day Fund" to help business owners whose livelihoods were impacted by what investigators have called an "intentional" explosion downtown. More than 40 buildings along Second Avenue North were damaged, and windows around the area shattered. Three people were injured in the blast, and authorities identified the man they said is responsible for the bombing.

"The Nashville 30 Day Fund is designed to be quick, easy, and free of red tape, as small business owners and individuals work to recover from the effects of the Christmas Day bombing in Nashville," the fund's website reads. "All we ask in return: if you can, pay it forward."

To get the fund started, Lemonis contributed $500,000. The fund will provide small businesses and individuals who were affected by the explosion with forgivable loans up to $100,000, which won't need to be repaid. If they choose to pay if forward, they can donate to the Fund which will then direct it toward another recipient.

To qualify for assistance, applicants must be either a small business that operates within a half-mile radius of the explosion site or an individual who lives within the same parameters. Apply here. The deadline to apply is 12 a.m. December 31.

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