In recognition of National Small Business Week, the USDA announced that Mountain BizCapital has been selected to receive $38,500 in Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) funding for technical assistance for its entrepreneurial training program. In mid-June, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the selection of RBEG projects across the country highlighting USDA efforts to help rural small businesses create jobs, get access to capital and spur economic growth.
Founded in 1989, Mountain BizCapital — known locally as Mountain BizWorks — provides loans, classes, and coaching to emerging and established small businesses in western North Carolina. The Asheville-based nonprofit focuses on working with businesses unable to access bank financing, including minority, women, and immigrant entrepreneurs, and businesses that operate within the local food system.
“USDA has been privileged to team up with Mountain BizCapital for over a decade, assisting small businesses in Western North Carolina. Today’s funding announcement is an example of the extremely successful partnership between USDA and our rural communities and businesses to improve economic development opportunities,” says USDA Rural Development Area Director Pam Hysong.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.
“We are so pleased to continue our strong partnership with the USDA, which helps us to provide essential business training to entrepreneurs throughout Western North Carolina,” says Nathan Harlan, BizWorks Director of Development & Communications.
