Mountain BizCapital selected for USDA funding

In recognition of National Small Business Week, USDA announced that Mountain BizCapital has been selected to receive $38,500 in Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) funding for Technical Assistance for their entrepreneurial training program.   Yesterday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the selection of RBEG projects across the country highlighting USDA efforts to help rural small businesses create jobs, get access to capital and spur economic growth.

Founded in 1989, Mountain BizCapital provides loans, classes, and coaching to emerging and established small businesses in western North Carolina. They focus on working with businesses unable to access bank financing, including minority, women, and immigrant entrepreneurs, and businesses that operate within the local food system.

“USDA has been privileged to team up with Mountain BizCapital for over a decade, assisting small businesses in western North Carolina.  Today’s funding announcement is an example of the extremely successful partnership between USDA and our rural communities and businesses to improve economic development opportunities,” said USDA Rural Development Area Director Pam Hysong.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as USDA implements sequestration – the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act. USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $828 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.

President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA Rural Development has 7 Area Offices and 14 field offices across the state serving North Carolinians living in rural areas and communities.  Area Office locations are in Asheville, Shelby, Lumberton, Asheboro, Henderson, Kinston and Smithfield.  Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting the USDA Rural Development website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov.