Ways for Entrepreneurs to $Get Green$ in the Virginia MountainsEntrepreneurs and Ecopreneurs:
Are you interested in moving to the country and operating a B & B, an outfitter business, a specialty food, drink or other business, or another tourism-related venture?
Here are some resources for starting your own business in the Virginia Mountains. Financing and Business Assistance
- Ninth District Development Financing (NDDF) organization administered
through People, Inc in Abingdon. This program currently has $300,000
available for loans to tourism-related businesses. Current interest
rate is prime less 2 (6%). Web site is www.nddf.org
- "CDFI" (Community Development Financing) program for micro-business loans up to $100,000 (does not have to be tourism business). Interest rate is usually between 8 - 11% on those depending on collateral, risk, and type of business.
http://www.peopleincorp.org/swvacdf.html
- Natural Capital Investment Fund, provides debt and equity financing for resource-based businesses. Eligible businesses include heritage and eco-tourism sectors. www.ncifund.org
- Virginia Enterprise Initiative -Business Start focuses on microenterprise
development and self-employment. Enterprise loans up to $35,000
for start up. Business expansion loans from $1,000 to $200,000.
www.businessstart.org
- Virginia Small Business Financing Authority. Nearest office is the Virginia Highlands Small Business Development Center in Abingdon which now serves all of Smyth County with free business consulting services. Contact person is Jim Tilley at
276-739-2515 or jtilley@vhcc.edu. or the visit the web site at www.dba.virginia.gov/financing
- Mount Rogers Planning District Commission loan funds program. Contact is Brian
Martin, (276) 783-5103 http://www.mrpdc.org/docs/rlfbrochure.pdf
or visit the Mount Rogers Planning District Commission web site
at www.mrpdc.org
- Virginia Tourism Corporation Marketing Leverage Program is designed to stimulate
new tourism marketing programs through the creation of local,
area, and regional tourism partnerships. The objective of this
program is to leverage limited marketing dollars resulting increased
visitor spending. www.vatc.org
- Appalachian Regional Commission, Resources for Building and Sustaining a Business. Visit http://www.arc.gov/index.do?nodeId=1732
Available property
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