About us
Our story
We’re building a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial community in Western North Carolina.
Mountain BizWorks was founded by entrepreneurs in Asheville, NC in 1989.
We believed in the WNC region way back then—before it was a nationally acclaimed destination for outdoors, tourism, food and beer. We knew it was possible, so we set out to create a supportive local business environment where entrepreneurs could thrive. And it worked!
We are a U.S. Treasury certified non-profit Community Development Financial Institution or CDFI—what’s a CDFI?
Our Vision
Mountain BizWorks envisions a thriving Western North Carolina in which small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs have access to the resources needed to make their dreams a reality—a region where collaboration, creativity, innovation, and investment generate opportunity and prosperity for all.
Our Mission
Mountain BizWorks’ mission is to build a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial community in Western North Carolina by helping small businesses start, grow, and thrive. When small businesses succeed, we all prosper.
Who we serve
Mountain BizWorks provides business loans and coaching to emerging and established small businesses in Western North Carolina. We have a particular focus on working with businesses unable to access financing from banks and other traditional sources, as well as low-income, rural, people of color, women, and immigrant entrepreneurs, and businesses that operate within the local food system.
Our Core Values
Equity
to us, equity of access is what’s fair and what’s just
Inclusivity
we are committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity. We say “yes” to those who often hear “no.”
Collaboration
we wholeheartedly believe that collaboration is the most-effective means of serving the needs of our constituents.
Stewardship
we pledge to be a good and faithful steward of all funds that are entrusted to the organization.
Sustainability
we strive to invest in entrepreneurs that preserve and enhance our region’s unique natural and cultural resources.
Entrepreneur-Centric
we are deeply invested in our clients’ success, taking an entrepreneur-first approach in all we do.
Local
we are profoundly committed to Western North Carolina, our home and our work is focused exclusively in this region.
Come to an Orientation Session to quickly find your path forward.
Our orientation sessions are a great way to get the lay of the land at Mountain BizWorks before you set off to create all that you dream!
Save your spotRegional impact in 2019
$110M
Total Loans
3,893
Loans Made
$11M
New Loans in 2022
About CDFIs
Community Development Financial Institutions exist to provide access to credit and other services that contribute to the economic stabilization of families and communities. Mountain BizWorks is one of nearly 1,300 CDFIs operating in the US—200 being in the Southeast and only 16 in North Carolina. To learn more about CDFIs and their impact in the US:
Visit Opportunity Finance Network
Watch this short video for more information
Overview
See what Mountain BizWorks can do for you.
No matter your business type or experience level, we have resources to help you find your path to creating a business from your dream—and get better as you grow.
High-touch business coursesCustomized business coaching
Get funding
Start investing
Newsletter
Stay connected to the local community of entrepreneurs with Mountain BizWorks.
We use our newsletter to keep the community together on all things small business in the WNC region. Learn about events, classes, funding opportunities, and more!
Read about our service area and why it’s more than just a service area to us
See the team that works together to make all of our work possible
Read about who our partners are and how we work together
Read about our dedication to financial sustainability and reporting
Learn about employment and other opportunities at Mountain BizWorks
Read about our weather policy and how it effects our events.
Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop.
