Downtown Hendersonville Opportunity Fund
Funded by a grant from the Dogwood Health Trust, the Downtown Hendersonville Opportunity Fund was created in response to the needs of local small businesses and entrepreneurs in the area, particularly those who are interested in opening a business in the Main Street and 7th Avenue Districts that make up Historic Downtown Hendersonville. The program aims to support entrepreneurs at different stages of business - from idea to growth - by providing training, technical assistance and access to loan capital.
The Downtown Hendersonville Opportunity Fund includes support for entrepreneurs interested in launching or growing their downtown Hendersonville businesses.
Who can participate?
Loan Capital
The centerpoint of the Downtown Opportunity Fund is a small business loan program in partnership with Mountain BizWorks to provide loan capital for businesses that are not otherwise eligible for traditional bank financing.
Trainings & Classes
A variety of training and classes are offered for any business to participate free of charge. Some trainings with a cost associated with them will have scholarship eligibility as noted on the classes or programs.
Why a Loan Fund?
Hendersonville recognizes that the strength of our economy is built on small businesses. We want to continue to encourage new innovation, expanding our reach, unique and authentic experiences
Startup small businesses cannot get funding from a traditional bank :
- To fund a new business, people use:
- Down payment
- Home equity
- Credit card
- What is a CDFI?
Community Development Financial Institutions exist to provide access to credit and other services that contribute to the economic stabilization of families and communities. Mountain BizWorks is one of nearly 1,300 CDFIs operating in the US—200 being in the Southeast and only 16 in North Carolina. Find out more about Mountain BizWorks here.
