A place-based fund for the NC mountains region
Mountain BizWorks is a place-based fund focused on the unique opportunities and challenges of small businesses across the Appalachian Mountains region of North Carolina, known as Western North Carolina. All lending decisions are made locally, and all staff are based here. We invest in areas that traditional banks can’t and emphasize serving communities that have often been underserved or overlooked. Over 80% of our clients are low-income, women, minority, or rural-based entrepreneurs.
From our founding in Asheville in 1989, the region has experienced a pronounced economic transformation from a region based around traditional manufacturers and tobacco farms to an economy increasingly defined by diverse small businesses in sectors like technology, local foods, outdoors, arts, hospitality, and more.
The Mountain BizWorks fund is committed to sustaining this small business-led economic development and ensuring its benefits reach all corners and communities of Western North Carolina.
Our Service Area:
We principally serve the 24 westernmost counties of North Carolina with offices in Asheville and Boone. We occasionally assist clients in areas adjacent to this region. Learn more about our small business lending and learning programs.
