Raising Capital

Invested Course

Join us for an insightful workshop tailored to small business owners seeking to unlock the keys to financial growth through knowledge of both debt and equity capital. In today's competitive landscape securing funding is essential for fueling expansion, innovation, and sustainability. Whether you're a startup seeking initial investment or an established business looking to scale, understanding the nuances of debt and equity funding is paramount. Invested Course June 28 - July 26, Fridays 1:30 - 4 pm at Mountain BizWorks.

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Why Invested?

In these interactive sessions, you will be guided through the intricacies of acquiring capital (money), offering practical strategies and actionable insights to empower your business journey. From traditional bank loans to alternative financing options, we’ll engage with the diverse avenues available for accessing funding.

We’ll delve into the world of finding investors, shedding light on the dynamics of attracting investment and negotiating favorable deals. Learn how to craft compelling pitches, identify compatible investment partners, and structure equity agreements that align with your long-term objectives. Whether you’re considering angel investors, venture capital, or crowdfunding platforms, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to secure equity funding effectively.

The history of our Invested Course

In 2018, after receiving questions from many local businesses interested in this new financing tool, we launched our pilot Invested Crowdfunding Course. Since then we have held five Invested Course Cohorts that continue to gain traction on the state and federal level.

Previous graduates from these Invested Course Cohorts have executed successful investment campaigns ranging from $20,000 – $107,000 and include Asheville Tea Company, Wehrloom Honey, and 180 Float Spa!  You can view an example campaign from one of our graduates here.

In 2023, Mountain BizWorks received funding to expand the Invested Course to be broader and include both debt and equity capital funding options.

Our New Invested Course 

The 5-session course will launch on June 28, 2024. 

Key Topics Include:

  1. Understanding the fundamentals of debt and equity financing.
  2. Assessing your business’s capital needs and financial readiness.
  3. Exploring traditional and alternative sources of debt capital.
  4. Leveraging assets and collateral.
  5. Evaluating the pros and cons of raising investor capital.
  6. Crafting effective business valuations, investment plans and investor pitches.
  7. Negotiating equity agreements and managing investor relations.
  8. Exploring the importance of and different types of exit strategies.

Whether you’re a solopreneur with a promising idea or a seasoned entrepreneur seeking growth opportunities, this workshop will provide invaluable insights to help you navigate the complex landscape of small business funding. Join us and unlock the potential of your business with the right capital strategy.

Course participants will also have the opportunity to pitch their business at the capstone Mountain Raise event in November.

Here’s how to get started

Fill out the Invested Registration Form – if you have any questions, please reach out to Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith at gwynne@mountainbizworks.org

Pricing Details

Thanks to the generous funding from the Minority Business Development Agency’s Capital Readiness grant, the course fee is only $75 for the primary participant and $25 for additional participants from the same company.

A big thanks

To our funding parter Minority Business Development Agency’s Capital Readiness grant.

Start Your Invested Journey

Join the Cohort

In Partnership with

The Minority Business Development Agency's Capital Readiness Program

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Invested Course is a program of our Expanding Ownership Growth Initiative

We believe that all community members should have an opportunity to be an owner and grow their assets. Mountain BizWorks offers classes, workshops, coaching, and events to help community members gain access to ownership opportunities, whether it be through investment crowdfunding, worker-owner co-operatives, or business acquisitions.

Stop wondering what if, and just start. Our bet is you have what it takes.

Make it happen

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