Learn more about CCI

Learn more about the

Kiva program

Apply for a Kiva microloan

Carolina Community Impact (CCI) is a non-profit community development financial institution (CDFI) focused on providing loans to small businesses that may not qualify for traditional financing. The Central NC Kiva Hub allows us to provide 0% interest small business microloans through a crowdfunding platform that taps borrowers' friends, family, supporters, as well as a community of 2 million lenders hoping to expand access to capital for all.

For more information, VISIT THREAD CAPITAL

Thread Capital is a non-profit community development financial institution (CDFI). We are a small business lender whose mission is to provide access to capital, coaching, and connections to rural underserved communities. We provide small business loans from $500 up to $100,000 for existing businesses and up to $50,000 for startup businesses. But we don’t stop there. We provide coaching and connections to ensure that business owners are connected to the support they need to thrive.

By combining comprehensive business courses, coaching and small business loans, Mountain BizWorks will help your small business find the best path to success! Consider us your personal ally—our team of business experts is dedicated to helping you start and grow the small business of your dreams!

Contact SBC Director

Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, MA  

via phone 336-838-6166 or email lsbrintle336@wilkescc.edu

to get started.

Wilkes Community College’s Small Business Center (SBC) supports the development of new Ashe County businesses by being your community-based provider of FREE counseling, training, and resource information. Our professional staff will help you find solutions to challenging business questions, provide assistance in the creation of a business plan, and more. No question is too simple or too complicated. SBC understands the unique challenges that local businesses encounter, and we’re ready to help.

Connect With An EDPNC

Small Business Advisor

1-800-228-8443 or

email SBAdvisors@edpnc.com

EDPNC Small Business Advisors is a free service for anyone seeking to start a small business in North Carolina. We offer one-on-one, confidential phone consultations to people interested in starting a business, small business owners in need of general support, and entrepreneurs interested in moving to North Carolina. We’re here to answer your questions and help you navigate topics like regulatory requirements, licensing stipulations, small-business training, and more.

Learn How

The SBTDC Can Make Your Business Better

Please Contact Your

SBTDC Office in

Hickory at 828-345-1110

or Boone at 828-262-2492.

The Small Business & Technology Development Center’s Hickory and Boone offices have resources that can help you better understand existing customers and find new ones, identify industry trends, learn best practices for human resources, marketing, management, and more. We provide management counseling and educational services to small and mid-sized businesses. Our business counselors offer CONFIDENTIAL, FREE one-on-one assistance to help you with your business plan. Please reach out to the SBTDC today for assistance starting and/or growing your business.  

For More Information, Contact Kitty Honeycutt,

Executive Director 

via Email 

or Call 336-846-9550

There are many reasons to join the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce–just ask our nearly 500 members! The benefits range from perks to help you start your business, including a free ribbon cutting and newspaper ad, to continued business support and marketing, as well as ongoing opportunities to network throughout the region. Additionally, we operate the Ashe County Visitor Center, which increases businesses’ exposure to the many visitors to the coolest corner of North Carolina!