Grants in 2020

• Retain or catalyze 5,000+ jobs in our region
• Diversify regional economy through advanced manufacturing and other suitable sectors

• Provide bridge funding to maintain jobs during COVID-19
• Attract/expand companies in WNC
• Expand diverse entrepreneurship
• Support workforce training
• Expand rural businesses
• Expand broadband access

Dogwood Health Trust partnered with Mountain BizWorks to help small businesses – especially those owned by women, minority, or rural residents – access emergency forgivable loan funds through the SBA’s Payroll Protection Program (PPP).

America Mauricio-Becerra opened her first cafe in Burnsville in October 2017, after training and a business loan from Mountain BizWorks. A little more than a year later, in early 2019, she switched to a new location and format in Spruce Pine, opening Las Cruces Latin Fusion to a welcoming community. The first year was a great success, and then came COVID-19. At first, her eight employees were covered by unemployment while the restaurant obeyed state shutdown orders. But when those benefits ran out, America needed another solution. 

“I am so glad that Mountain BizWorks exists here in this area. I feel proud because I got my first Mountain BizWorks loan four years ago, and now I am building a successful business in this rural area and providing jobs.”