Business coaching with mountain bizworks
Support for Every Stage of Your Business
Our Business Coaching program is a peer-to-peer model, which means you’ll be matched with someone who understands the entrepreneurial journey—because they’ve lived it. Most of our coaches are or have been small business owners themselves, bringing real-world experience to help you navigate your own business journey.
Great news! Thanks to the WNC Strong: Recover Forward scholarship program, any scholarship coaching client will be eligible to receive up to 10 hours of free, 1-on-1 business coaching. Apply and complete the scholarship section to invest in your future with specialized guidance.
Dos and don’ts
What is Business Coaching?
Our Business Coaches are thought partners, not task-doers. They help you think through challenges, identify next steps, and build your capacity as a leader and business owner.
Think of your coach as a trusted sounding board: someone who reflects back what they hear, asks the right questions, and helps you clarify and act on your priorities.
Examples:
❌ Business Coaches won’t: Do your books or file your taxes.
✅ Business Coaches will: Help you create a system, build understanding, and know what questions to ask your accountant or lender.
❌ Business Coaches won’t: Write your posts or build your website.
✅ Business Coaches will: Help you think like a strategist and focus your time where it counts.
❌ Business Coaches won’t: Make decisions for you.
✅ Business Coaches will: Help you explore your options and build the confidence to move forward.
Areas of Focus
When you engage with our Business Coaching program, you’re tapping into a network of over 100 experienced coaches. We’ll pair you with a coach based on your needs, and, as those needs evolve, so can your coaching relationship—from expanding topics with your current coach to connecting with new experts. This advisory model allows you to approach your business strategically and technically, gaining the insights you need to succeed in all aspects of entrepreneurship.
Want some examples? Our Business Coaches help you strengthen your work in areas like:
Financials
- Financial organization and recordkeeping
- Learning bookkeeping fundamentals
- Preparing projections for funding
- Understanding key financial reports
- Setting up accounting systems and tools
Marketing
- Branding and positioning
- Website content review and optimization
- Social media strategy + content planning
- Identifying and reaching your ideal customer
- Sales strategy and e-commerce support
Operations & Strategy
- Business plan development or refinement
- Workflow and systems creation
- Pricing and profitability models
- Operational troubleshooting
Leadership & Growth
- Decision-making confidence
- Communication and leadership skills
- Hiring and team management
- Staying aligned with your values and vision
Choose your path
How to Access Business Coaching
To make coaching accessible and impactful, we offer two simple options for new clients:
Paid Coaching
- $55 per hour
- Requires a minimum investment of 2 hours to begin
Scholarship-Supported Coaching
- We offer full, 100% coverage, scholarships for those in need of financial support.
- Offering is based on household income and size, and is aligned with HUD low-to-moderate income thresholds.
- You’ll receive your scholarship decision within one week of applying.
Thanks to our WNC Strong: Recover Forward program, and support from the North Carolina Community Foundation, any client who applies and is approved for a scholarship will automatically receive 10 hours of guaranteed free coaching. This ensures every entrepreneur has the support they need to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Apply for Coaching
Choose the Business Coaching Option That’s Right for You
FAQs
How to Get Started
Mountain BizWorks serves 26 counties in Western North Carolina. Click here view the counties we serve.
We have 80+ contracted Business Coaches and facilitators with diverse backgrounds. Coaches are local business owners, consultants, or retirees.
The non-scholarship supported rate is $55 per hour.
We do offer scholarships for coaching.
Scholarships cover coaching at no cost, up to a set number of hours. This depends on a number of factors, including funding availability.
Thanks to the WNC Strong: Recover Forward scholarship program, each scholarship coaching client will receive up to 10 hours of free, 1-on-1 business coaching. Anyone who expresses financial need can be eligible for the scholarship.
Our 1:1 coaching program is designed for entrepreneurs who already have a business in development and want tailored support to move forward. If you’re still in the idea stage, have never run a business, or don’t yet have a business plan, we recommend starting with our classes first. Explore the Trail Map to find the best next step.
No. Coaches can help you prepare questions, but legal advice comes from lawyers. We partner with NC Leap and Pisgah Legal for occasional legal workshops.
Research shows:
- A global study by the International Coach Federation (ICF) found that 86% of companies made back their investment in coaching, and 70% saw improved work performance, communication, and relationships as a result.
(ICF Global Coaching Client Study) - According to a study by Manchester Inc., executives who received coaching saw an average return of 5.7 times their investment, thanks to improvements in productivity, employee retention, and leadership effectiveness.
(Manchester Inc., 2001) - Small business owners report that coaching leads to better strategic decision-making, more confidence, and increased revenue—especially when paired with accountability and financial planning support.
(SCORE & SBA, “The Megaphone of Main Street,” 2018)
At Mountain BizWorks, we see this every day. Coaching can be the difference between surviving and thriving, and we’re here to help you get there.
Application & Onboarding
New Client Application: If you’re new to Mountain BizWorks coaching, have only attended orientation, workshops, or classes, or if you received funding like TDA, PPP, or One Buncombe.
Existing Client Application: If you’ve taken Foundations or Alpine in the last 6 months, or if you are already a Mountain BizWorks loan client.
Yes. Coaches and staff sign confidentiality agreements. Information is only shared internally to support you unless you give written permission to share with outside parties.
It’s the formal relationship Mountain BizWorks sets up between you and your coach, including assigned hours and progress tracking.
We make matches based on your goals, industry, stage of business, and coach availability. While you can share preferences, we can’t guarantee a specific coach.
Not sure which path is right for you?
Reach out to us with your questions.
Success Story
“We were on the edge. It was time to take it to the next level—so that’s what we did.”
Jeannine Buscher & Sarah Schomber
Buchi
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