Mountain BizWorks

It’s been over a month since Hurricane Helene made its impact, and while the initial days have passed, we recognize that the journey to recovery is still ongoing for many in the WNC small business community. Mountain BizWorks is here to provide the support and resources you need—not just today, but for as long as it takes. Our Asheville office is open Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as a drop-in workspace with Wi-Fi available for clients and partners. We’ve also postponed all learning programs, refocusing our efforts entirely on disaster relief and support. We stand with WNC businesses as they rebuild. If you need support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s move forward, together. #HeleneImpact #WNCRecovery #MountainBizWorks

The U.S. Small Business Administration has established a Business Recovery Center at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 36 Montford Ave., to provide in-person assistance for SBA disaster loan applications. Our team is there too, alongside other resource providers, to share vital information about the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund and additional Mountain BizWorks business recovery resources. We will establish a regular and consistent weekday schedule when one of our team members will be on-site to connect directly for assistance navigating the application process. In addition, there are portable restrooms on-site, and wifi is available too. We'll update you with our in-person assistance schedule as soon as possible.

Applications are now open for the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, made possible through $7.5 million in initial funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/e3Cn-GSZ These rapid recovery loans are available to help small businesses rebuild after the devastating impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. Businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Helene & based in one of the 34 NC counties covered in the SBA’s Helene Disaster Declaration Area can apply for rapid recovery loans of up to $100,000 to meet immediate needs while waiting for federal loans, insurance payouts, or other relief. We continue to hear from small business owners across the region and what we know is that our mountain towns across Western North Carolina are deeply devastated. We are working to make sure that small businesses across WNC are equipped with the financial resources and information that they need as quickly as possible. We know a range of funding resources will be required for small businesses to fully recover, and we're here with you every step of the way. By working together, we will rebuild stronger.

It’s been a heartbreaking few days in WNC. First, we want to thank the first responders and volunteers for their incredible continuing service during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Second, we know many small businesses in our region will need support in the coming weeks and months. We’ll be gathering and sharing small business recovery resources with WNC as we can. In the meantime, we thank you for your patience and hope everyone stays safe as our community navigates the immediate aftermath. We’re here with you. 💚

✨ We're hiring a Small Business Lender! ✨ Over the past 5 years, Mountain BizWorks has enthusiastically supported a steady increase in local business financing across the WNC region. Mountain BizWorks is now very pleased to be adding another dynamic Small Business Lender position to our team to further support WNC’s growing local entrepreneurial community. The Small Business Lender originates, underwrites, and efficiently processes small business loan requests from a wide range of businesses from startups to established businesses preparing for expansion; works closely with staff in the field to meet loan and portfolio management metrics, and lending department objectives related to impact, portfolio quality, and strong team dynamic. Read the full description at mountainbizworks.org/jobs. Apply by Oct. 4, 2024.

"Starting a small business is an exciting yet daunting process...This is where community development financial institutions (CDFIs) come in: They are banks, credit unions, and loan funds that support local leaders, allowing them to realize their visions, set up their enterprises for strong financial futures, and catalyze job creation and economic growth." Read about three Appalachian Community Capital member CDFIs (including Mountain BizWorks!) and the small business story featuring our clients at Cura Concrete: https://lnkd.in/eiPmEs53

✨ We're hiring! ✨ Are you interested in joining the Mountain BizWorks team as an Administrative Assistant? Check out the full description at mountainbizworks.org/jobs and apply by 5 p.m. on 9/22! #mountainbizworks #mountainbizworksjobs #administrativeassistant #administrativeassistantjobs #wncjobs #lovelocal #ashevillejobs #nowhiringasheville

✨ We're hiring a Learning Programs Associate! ✨ Click the jobs link in our profile to read the full description of this important member of the Learning Team (and share with those who might be a great fit).

Our friends at The Industrial Commons are hiring! The Industrial Commons (TIC) is searching for a visionary Business Development Director to spearhead the transformation of Western North Carolina into a hub boasting the highest job quality and density of employee-owned enterprises in the region. In this role, you'll empower business owners to establish enduring legacies for their companies by facilitating workplace enhancements and guiding the transition to employee ownership. This full-time, on-site salaried position requires someone adept at collaborating with a diverse range of advisors and clients to cultivate economic empowerment and fortify participatory frameworks within organizations. If you possess a unique blend of business acumen, managerial prowess, financial insight, interpersonal finesse, and an unwavering commitment to effecting positive change, we invite you to delve into this exciting opportunity. This is a Western North Carolina-based position. For a full job description, please click the link below.

📣 Mountain BizWorks is hiring an Energy & Climate Lending Director! 🌿 We are seeking an individual experienced in the Energy & Climate sector to lead the implementation of our new Clean Energy & Climate programs, and help small businesses, nonprofits, and communities make smart energy investments and save money all across WNC. Click the link below for all the details. https://lnkd.in/gtB_b8cd