Another important player is Mountain BizWorks, which is a U.S. Treasury certified non-profit community development financial institution (CDFI). The organization makes business loans ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 to small businesses in Western North Carolina who may find it difficult to secure funding from banks and other traditional sources. What makes Mountain BizWorks unique is that all its loan decisions and relationships are managed locally. They also offer highly customized, peer-to-peer business coaching by an extensive network of local, successful business owners.
Mountain BizWorks offers:
Business Coaching
This includes highly-customized, peer-to-peer business coaching by an extensive network of successful local business owners. Their coaching helps entrepreneurs overcome obstacles, grow strategically, and create jobs.
Business Classes
Mountain BizWorks offers a platform of three flagship courses to support aspiring and existing small business owners on their journey from startup to sustainable growth. All of their courses are led by experienced small business owners and use a participatory, supportive learning environment to deliver relevant, actionable skills and tools. Each program is also designed to create a network of peers from which to gain ideas, support, and feedback along the way.
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Foundations Business Planning ClassFoundations helps aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners to create comprehensive business plans in order to start-up, expand, or enhance their businesses. The class meets once weekly for 3 hours for 6 weeks. Learn more »
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Alpine Business Planning ClassAlpine is a newly designed course specifically for existing entrepreneurs (and often past Foundations participants) that recognize business planning doesn’t stop when the doors open. It provides a way assess the whole business model, advance a new idea that will fit within the larger business, and gain peer feedback in a confidential setting. The class meets once weekly for 3 hours for 5 weeks. Learn more »
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ScaleUp WNCScaleUp WNC provides intensive growth strategy development and implementation assistance to two cohorts of 15 small businesses annually. This program is tailored for existing business with significant growth potential and some proven market success. Visit our ScaleUp WNC page to learn much more about the initiative and apply for upcoming cohorts.
Financial Series
Basic financial management is an essential skill for any successful small business owner. Improve your understanding and control of your small business finances with our Financial Tools and Quickbooks for Small Business classes. Learn more about these regularly offered classes here.
For more information about Mountain BizWorks, go to https://www.mountainbizworks.org/.
