Invest Appalachia’s team in Western NC has been affected by the storm. We are actively involved in recovery and rebuilding efforts. Your donations will directly support impacted communities. Donate here.
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We provide patient, flexible funding for projects that enhance local wealth, sustainability, and community health in Central Appalachia.
If you think your project might be a fit, read on!
Before diving into investment preparation, make sure your project fits Invest Appalachia’s mission and criteria. This checklist helps you quickly determine if your organization or business is eligible for support — based on location, sector focus, and readiness for repayable investment. Use it as your first step in exploring funding opportunities with Invest Appalachia.
Getting your project funded starts with being ready to tell your full story — clearly and confidently. This checklist is designed to help community businesses, nonprofits, and partners understand what funders look for and what materials to prepare. Use it as a practical guide to organize your financials, show your progress, and strengthen your request for investment from Invest Appalachia and other capital partners.
We build the skills, networks, and capacity of humans to be better equipped to attract and manage resources (such as money, skilled workers, etc.) that enables their community vision.
We use IA Fund investments and Catalytic Capital to provide the financial tools communities need to bring their visions to life. Our revolving funding model means the success of one project helps launch the next.
We invest in sustainably built infrastructure and facilities that benefit and ensure the resilience of communities.
By building and engaging in strong regional networks, we help close funding gaps and expand the flow of outside investment into Central Appalachia.
We invest in projects that protect and responsibly use the natural resources of a community.
We work closely with local lending partners. Community-based lenders- like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and loan funds— are important partners in our work. Invest Appalachia’s investments are designed to complement and strengthen these local efforts.
If you’re interested in funding, we encourage you to start with a community lender in your area.
If you are seeking assistance in preparing materials for investment/loan applications, our friends at the resource providers listed below may be able to help.
This list of business development and technical assistance resources in Central Appalachia is organized alphabetically and grouped by state.
If you’ve reviewed the materials above and have a specific question—about whether your project might be a fit or to learn more about our model—our Intake Specialist is happy to connect with you.
If your project meets our eligibility guidelines, you’re investment-ready, and you understand what a typical journey with Invest Appalachia looks like—we’d love to hear from you. Every project submission is reviewed by IA staff.
Invest Appalachia’s staff and operations have been directly impacted by Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Thanks for your understanding with any delays in normal communications.
We are headquartered in Western NC, and involved in local recovery efforts as well as investment strategies to rebuild for long-term resilience and equity. Any financial contributions to Invest Appalachia will go directly to recovery and rebuilding efforts in impacted communities.