About Us

Partners

Mountain BizWorks partners with a variety of local organizations to deliver services to small businesses.

Sustainability depends on the local community coming together in partnerships that strengthen the whole.

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Our Partners

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All Sectors EducationBusinessFood & FarmingFundingEconomic DevelopmentNon-ProfitOutdoor RecreationCraft & MakersSmall Business Support

Small Business Support

1 Million Cups

Every Wednesday over 160 communities meet to give each other support, encouragement and feedback over a cup of coffee.

Small Business Support

African American Business Association

The African American Business Association (AABA) is a program of the Western Women's Business Center and Opportunity Asheville. We support business development in Asheville's underserved communities through monthly workshops, networking opportunities, one-on-one coaching, and access to capital.

Food & Farming, Non-Profit, Small Business Support

Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture

ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) is a nonprofit based in Asheville, North Carolina, serving the Southern Appalachian region. Our mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food.

Economic Development

Ashe County Economic Development

Ashe County Economic Development’s mission is to promote economic growth and improve the quality of life for the citizens of Ashe County by retaining and expanding existing local business, attracting new business, and partnering with community stakeholders to support an entrepreneurial environment.

Funding

Asheville Angles

Asheville Angels is a member-based angel investor network. We invest in and support startups and early-stage, high-growth companies in Asheville and across the Southeast. Founded in October of 2014, Asheville Angels currently consists of about 40 angel investors.

Education, Small Business Support

Asheville Buncombe Technical College Small Business Center

Located on a picturesque campus bordered by Biltmore Estate, Asheville High School and Mission Health, A-B Tech attracts local residents, as well as people from all over the United States.

Food & Farming

Asheville Food Guild

The Asheville-Area Food Guild is an inclusive community of small food and beverage businesses based in Western North Carolina, collaborating to build a strong regional reputation and to empower brands to scale up profitably with integrity.

Funding

Asheville Investment Club

Asheville Investment Club is a small, friendly club of about ten members organized in 2005 with the intention to learn more about investing in publicly traded stocks.

Economic Development, Non-Profit

Association for Enterprise Opportunity

AEO is the leading voice of innovation for microbusiness and microfinance. We engineer transformational change through Research, Incubation, Convening & Advocacy to foster a robust and inclusive marketplace.

Small Business Support

B Local Asheville + WNC

B Local Asheville + WNC is a resource for area B Corps and those who want to become B Corp Certified.

Business, Funding

Big Path Capital

Big Path Capital works exclusively and with more impact companies and funds than any other investment bank in the space. Top impact companies and funds engage Big Path Capital for company exits, capital raises, and founder liquidity.

Education, Small Business Support

Blue Ridge Community College Small Business Center

Blue Ridge Community College SBC is part of the Small Business Center Network, comprised of 58 Small Business Centers throughout North Carolina that support the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of training, counseling, and resource information.

Food & Farming, Small Business Support

Blue Ridge Food Ventures

Blue Ridge Food Venture’s mission is to provide infrastructure and technical assistance to enable small businesses entering the marketplace with safe and wholesome foods and natural products, thereby assisting in the creation of new businesses, new jobs, and new revenues for the region.

Food & Farming, Non-Profit

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture helps build an equitable, sustainable High Country local food system by supporting producers and cultivating community connections that educate, inspire, and increase the demand for local food.

Education, Small Business Support

Boone and Hickory Small Business & Technology Development Center

The SBTDC’s Appalachian State University-affiliated locations in Boone and Hickory are committed to helping make your business better. Our team of experienced business professionals is here to help your small or mid-size business.

Education, Small Business Support

Caldwell County Community College Small Business Center

The Small Business Center Network, comprised of 58 Small Business Centers throughout North Carolina, supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of training, counseling, and resource information. A Small Business Center is located within 30 minutes of nearly everyone in the state at the local Community College.

Economic Development

Caldwell County Economic Development

From 900 feet above sea level to 5,964 feet, the elevation of Caldwell County, North Carolina rises a breathtaking 575%. From the foothills of the Blue Ridge to some of its loftiest peaks, from the bustling Hickory metro area to remote and isolated wilderness, it’s the largest elevation change of any county in the Tar Heel State.

Funding, Economic Development, Small Business Support

Carolina Small Business Development Fund

Carolina Small Business Development Fund creates economic opportunities across North Carolina. We support communities by helping entrepreneurs build the businesses of their dreams.

Non-Profit, Craft & Makers

Carolina Textile District

We are invested in creating a new and dynamic textile industry in our region that values the worker, the environment, and the community. Carolina Textile District (CTD) is a member-governed and member-driven network of values-aligned textile manufacturers in North and South Carolina. We host workshops and programs and provide contacts and resources that help both new and established companies grow and thrive.

Education, Small Business Support

Catawba County Community College Small Business Center

When you start up--and grow--a profitable business, you make a positive impact on the economic health of our region. Our job is to provide you every possible resource. Your job is to take a chance, become an entrepreneur.

Non-Profit, Craft & Makers

Center for Craft

The Center for Craft believes in the dreams and hard work of makers, museums, academics, and the local community who keep the field of craft alive—we serve you. We are building a future for craft through Field Building and Creative Placekeeping.

Non-Profit

Centro Unido Latino Americano

Our mission is to create safe spaces, establish cross-cultural partnerships, and promote social justice, health equity, and inclusive educational opportunities for our Latinx community and beyond.

Education

Cleveland County Community College Small Business Center

The Small Business Center at CCC provides workshops, seminars, counseling, information, and referral services for small business owners and operators in Cleveland County.

Non-Profit

Cocina Latina

We have the best food around and an atmosphere to match. Try us and you'll be convinced! Our recipes are authentic and time-tested. The ingredients are always fresh.

Non-Profit

Eagle Market Street Development Corporation

Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation is a non for-profit, but for community benefit organization serving Asheville Buncombe and Western North Carolina by providing property development, economic business development, workforce development, and access to community capacity building.

Economic Development

Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

We live, breathe and dive deep on all things North Carolina. If you're thinking about a new business location, our team of economic development experts can help you decide whether North Carolina is the perfect fit - and connect you with the resources you need to break ground.

Non-Profit

El Centro

The purpose of the Latino Advocacy Coalition is to cultivate the dawn of a new day by enriching relationships, empowering people and promoting a just community for all.

Education

Haywood Community College Small Business Center

Thinking about starting a business in Haywood County or growing an existing business? The Haywood Community College Small Business Center offers a wealth of programs, services, and resources to assist you on your Small Business Journey!

Economic Development

High Country Council of Governments

The High Country Council of Governments (HCCOG) is designated by both state and federal governments as the official agency for the administration of various funds and programs. We provide an array of services to local governments that enhances the well-being of their communities. We serve 7 counties and 19 municipalities in the High Country region.

Funding

High Country Impact Fund

The North Carolina High Country's first Angel Investment fund. We help entrepreneurs by investing and supporting their growing companies.

Non-Profit

High Country Local First

Local First is a vibrant network of locally owned businesses that operate in the High Country.

Non-Profit

Hola Community Arts Foundation

Hola Community Arts is building bridges between cultures, embracing diversity and creating more economically vibrant communities.

Non-Profit, Small Business Support

Industrial Commons

The Industrial Commons founds and grows interconnected enterprises that solve industrial problems for businesses and workers and manufactures hope for the people of Western North Carolina.

Economic Development

Isothermal Planning and Development

The Isothermal Planning and Development Commission (Isothermal Regional Commission/The Commission) is the council of governments for the Isothermal Region which includes Cleveland, McDowell, Polk and Rutherford Counties in Western North Carolina. The membership of the Commission consists of the local governments within the Isothermal Region.

Education

JB Media Group

JB Media Group is a digital marketing agency based in Asheville, NC, that supports mission-driven companies, social enterprises, and nonprofits. We’re passionate about helping our clients change the world.

Economic Development

Land of Sky Regional Council

Land of Sky Regional Council is a multi-county, local government, planning and development organization. We reach county and municipal borders providing technical assistance to local governments and administer projects and programs which benefit our region’s citizens.

Education

Lenoir Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a nationally recognized liberal arts university in North Carolina with 50+ undergraduate majors and 30+ graduate programs.

Economic Development

Marion Business Association

The Marion Business Association (MBA) provides citizens with a sense of community by coordinating full calendar of events such as the Liver Mush Festival, Fourth of July Celebration, and Mountain Glory Festival.

Funding, Small Business Support

May Coalition

MAY Coalition is a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to help create high quality employment opportunities for unemployed and underemployed residents of Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey counties in North Carolina.

Non-Profit

McDowell Chamber of Commerce

Providing businesses with the resources, services, and advocacy for economic growth through active community engagement.

Funding

Mountain Community Capital Fund

The Mountain Community Capital Fund is a new loan guarantee fund for small business loans which is available to entrepreneurs in Asheville and Buncombe County. It is a collaboration between Carolina Small Business Development Fund, Mountain BizWorks, Self-Help Credit Union, The City of Asheville and Buncombe County.

Funding

Mountain Housing Opportunities

Mountain Housing Opportunities is a private, non-profit community development corporation whose mission is to build and improve homes, neighborhoods, communities, and lives, and build hope and dignity in the people we serve.

Economic Development

Mountain West Partnership

From finding a workforce, to relocating or even starting up a brand new company, the Mountain West Partnership can facilitate the success of any business through connecting you and your business to any information, community organization or tool you may need.

Funding

Natural Capital Investment Fund

The Natural Capital Investment Fund is providing loans and technical assistance to support small businesses that have a big impact.

Food & Farming

NC Cooperative Extension

NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Small Business Support

NC Small Business Centers

The NC Community Colleges Small Business Center Network (SBCN) is our state's largest state-supported small business assistance initiative.

Non-Profit

Opportunity Finance Network

Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is the national association of community development financial institutions (CDFIs). We provide capital, advocacy, and capacity building to help OFN member and non-member CDFIs create impact in rural, urban, and Native communities nationwide. OFN is also a CDFI.

Food & Farming

Organic Growers School

Learn to farm, garden, and live organically though our hands-on training, workshops, conferences, and partnerships.

Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor Gear Builders

The Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC are Western North Carolina-based companies collaborating to share talents, encourage new ideas and inspire each other. Our member brands are dedicated to creating exceptional outdoor gear with a focus on responsible manufacturing, cutting edge innovation, and economic growth in our region. Our motto is: “Extraordinary Gear Made Here.”

Economic Development

Project Equity

Project Equity helps businesses and communities discover the power of employee ownership.

Funding

Self-Help Credit Union

Self-Help's mission is to create and protect ownership and economic opportunity for all. We do this by providing responsible financial services; lending to individuals, small businesses and nonprofits; developing real estate; and promoting fair financial practices. We have branch locations in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Small Business Support

Small Business Technology & Development Center

The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) has helped North Carolina businesses grow and create new jobs since 1984. We provide management counseling and educational services to small and mid-sized businesses. Most of our services are free of charge, and all are confidential. By providing entrepreneurs with the tools they need to build and grow successful businesses, the SBTDC positively impacts NC’s economy.

Small Business Support

Southwestern Community College Small Business Center

Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center (SBC) is part of a Small Business Center Network statewide network designed to support the development and growth of small businesses. Millions of Americans choose to pursue the dream of being their own boss. Just look around our community and you will see strong evidence that the free enterprise system is alive and well. But turning the dream of small business ownership into reality is no easy task. It often requires intensive planning and research, creative problem solving, strong determination to succeed, and the savvy to navigate countless regulatory agencies and resource options.

Small Business Support

Spark Tank

The Spark Tank Mission is to enhance the support that business service providers in WNC give entrepreneurs and, through collaboration, develop partnerships that support those who seek tools, resources, and capital.

Economic Development, Small Business Support

StartUp High Country

Redefining the technology landscape of the High Country. We're the landing pad, growth advisor and accelerator for entrepreneurs and startup companies in the region.

Non-Profit

True Ridge

We dreamed of an organization that would support under-served communities in Hendersonville, NC, and the neighboring areas. We provide culturally-relevant bilingual advocacy, case management and guidance in a safe space. We educate and encourage those who remain silent in the face of injustice to speak up and be heard.

Economic Development

Tryon Downtown Development Association

TDDA, in partnership with local business owners, individual members and the Town of Tryon, strives to enhance retail and commercial opportunities in a pedestrian-friendly environment, and to promote economic development via innovative thinking, creative promotion and a celebratory attitude about that which makes our community unique and Nearly Perfect. Always Tryon.

Education

University of North Carolina Asheville

Small class size, award-winning faculty and a nationally acclaimed. undergraduate research program foster innovation. Beautiful Campus. Asheville, North Carolina. Liberal Arts College. Highlights: Comfortable Rooms Available, Community Space Available, IPTV Available.

Economic Development

Uptown Shelby

Our mission is to facilitate collaboration & growth, enrich the Uptown experience, and promote the district in order to strengthen Uptown Shelby and enhance the quality of life for our community. We work to grow a stronger, more viable district through promotion, partnerships, economic restructuring, and design.

Non-Profit

Urban Manufacturing Alliance

The Urban Manufacturing Alliance is a national coalition of organizations and individuals that are building manufacturing economies fit for the 21st century. Our collective goal is to create pathways to middle-class jobs, spark homegrown innovation and ensure that cities and towns continue to be the places where we make things.

Funding, Economic Development

USDA

Our vision is to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve our Nation's natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands.

Funding

Venture South

VentureSouth operates angel investment groups and funds comprised of more than 300 accredited investors across the Southeast.

Education

Warren Wilson College

Just outside of Asheville, NC. Up in the mountains among stands of oak & poplar, amid rolling pastures, in labs and studios buzzing with curiosity, you'll find us.

Economic Development

Watauga County Economic Development Commission

Come discover for yourself why Watauga County has become one of North Carolina's most sought after communities. Because of a rare blend of amenities and opportunities – Boone, Blowing Rock and the surrounding towns make this the ideal place to build a business and build a life.

Education

Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University is a public university in Cullowhee, North Carolina. It is part of the University of North Carolina system. The fifth oldest institution of the sixteen four-year universities in the UNC system, WCU was founded to educate the people of the western North Carolina mountains.

Economic Development, Non-Profit

Western North Carolina New Economy Coalition

NEC exists to support a just transition from an extractive to a regenerative economy by building the scale and power of the solidarity economy movement in Black, Indigenous, and working class communities in every region of the United States.

Education

Western Piedmont Community College Small Business Center

WPCC’s Small Business Center (SBC) is part of a statewide network of community colleges which supports small businesses in our communities. Our network offers a variety of programs and services. Whether you are exploring your options for starting a business or you are an experienced business owner, we can help you realize your dream of owning your own business or making your current business more profitable.

Education, Funding, Economic Development, Small Business Support

Western Womens Business Center

The mission of the Western Women's Business Center is to provide technical assistance, capital and programs that reduce the barriers and serve as a catalyst to the success of women entrepreneurs in Western North Carolina.

Education

Wilkes County Community College Small Business Center

The Small Business Center Network, comprised of 58 Small Business Centers throughout North Carolina, supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of training, counseling, and resource information.

Economic Development

Wilkes Economic Development Corporation

Wilkes County in Northwestern North Carolina sits in the gentle rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is thriving with a bustling network of major businesses, state-of-the-art medical facilities and a robust framework of infrastructure for logistics and technology. The distinguished public education system and the higher education and customized training opportunities provide a knowledgeable, accomplished and highly skilled workforce.

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