The Rural Center runs two innovative programs that provide capital for business start-ups and expansions. The Microenterprise Loan Program serves the smallest rural businesses through a combination of loans, business planning and technical assistance. The Rural Venture Fund, announced in 2007, offers investments ranging from equity to subordinated debt for qualified businesses in economically distressed counties of North Carolina.
Prospective applicants for the Rural Center’s business finance programs are encouraged to complete a pre-application questionnaire. This questionnaire will assist the Rural Center in determining which program might best suit the business owner’s needs. It does not bind the business owner or the Rural Center to a financial agreement. All information contained in the questionnaire will be kept strictly confidential and will not be used for any other purpose.
A Rural Center representative will respond within two business days after receipt of the pre-application. Completed questionnaires may be submitted to the business finance office by:
E-mail: businessfinance@ncruralcenter.org
Fax: 919-250-4325/Attention: Ashley Crane
Mail: Ashley Crane, N.C. Rural Economic Development Center, 4021 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610.
For additional information, contact the Rural Center’s business finance office.
