Mountain BizWorks is a non-profit organization that provides training and financing for small business owners in western North Carolina. Mountain BizWorks was originally founded in 1989 as Mountain Microenterprise Fund. Originally, the organization worked through the NC Rural Economic Development Center to provide loans for entrepreneurs, but since 2004, Mountain BizWorks has ceased using funds from the Rural Center and created its own loan program known as Mountain BizCapital which offers loans of up to $50,000.

Since 1989, Mountain BizWorks has provided training for over 3,000 entrepreneurs in western North Carolina and has provided over $2 million in loans to small businesses. It has offices in Asheville, Hendersonville, and Sylva.

Mountain BizWorks provides extensive training in entrepreneurship through classes and seminars for small business owners. Mountain BizWorks offers programs in both English and Spanish, given the large Hispanic population in the community. The programs deal with issues such as financial planning, marketing, and goal setting. Mountain BizWorks also provides individualized training working one-on-one to help the entrepreneur with specific needs. In order to attend classes or receive one-on-one assistance, one must contact the nearest Mountain BizWorks office and set up an appointment.

Mountain BizWorks provides a flexible loan program for small business owners. Loans consist of up to $50,000. Applicant eligibility is established based on the amount of capital the applicant has available and the operating cost of the business. Mountain BizWorks determines the amount of funding that is offered based on the need of the applicant. Once the amount of the loan is decided upon, Mountain BizWorks selects the rate and terms based on the ability to pay.

http://www.mountainbizworks.org/index.php