I could not have imagined trying to start my business without Mountain BizWorks' Foundations class under my belt. There were so many things I didn't know about business start-up, and the class provided me with every detail involved, especially the legalities. Having access to marketing professionals gave me a polished ad campaign. And doing a yearlong projected business cash flow helped me to see my business goals realistically and then, to achieve them.

Julie Chapman - Gift of Breath

Cedar Valley Nursery
Category: Landscape - Nursery
Erin Sojourner
890 Steertown Road
Murphy, NC 28906
Phone: (828)837-5143
Fax:
Email: sojomojo@hotmail.com
Website: http://

Herbs, vegetable starts, heirloom varieties, flowers, asparagus, and native plants grown without pesticides. Greenhouse vegetables available in the winter.

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Cards by Caryn
Category: Artists and Crafts - Crafts
Caryn Schlosser

Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828)251-5201
Fax:
Email:
Website: http://

Cards featuring unique scenes of Asheville. Original works and prints available in the L.O.F.T. and M'Press in downtown Asheville.

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Visit our online directory for a complete listing of alumni-owned and operated businesses!

:: ShowBiz 2008 ::
          a benefit for Mountain BizWorks, September 18 
          [click here for details]

 

:: Mountain BizWorks has moved its Asheville office. 
The new address is... 153 South Lexington Avenue, Asheville NC 28801

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WHO ARE WE?

For two decades, Mountain BizWorks has provided training, coaching, and lending services to start-up and existing businesses in the twelve western-most counties of North Carolina. We focus on access for all types of entrepreneurs including low-income individuals and minorities who sometimes face barriers to business ownership. Mountain BizWorks' programs and services help entrepreneurs to demystify and overcome the difficulties associated with starting or expanding a business. ::Learn More::

In 2007, Mountain BizWorks was able to provide its services to over 740 entrepreneurs, of which 71% were low-income, 64% were women, and 22% were racial or ethnic minorities. Those individuals created 135 businesses and expanded 230 businesses. In turn, those businesses created 520 jobs and sustained 372 jobs. We also made 67 loans totaling almost $900,000 and leveraging $1.3 Million.

WHAT DO WE DO?

~ We guide entrepreneurs through the process of creating or enhancing their business plans. ::Learn More::

~ Our clients can receive one-on-one business coaching to help them overcome all the obstacles of creating or expanding thier businesses. ::Learn More::

~ We can loan up to $50,000 to entrepreneurs who need captial to open or expand their businesses. ::Learn More::

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT OUR WORK?

We depend on philanthropy to help us create the American Dream for our clients. With your contribution, Western North Carolina's entrepreneurs will become successful business owners. ::Learn More::

~ Donate money now by going to JustGive.org, a non-profit organization that connects people with the charities and causes they care about.

~ Contact Stephen Jones, our Development Director, to learn how your donation will make a difference.

~ With a minimum $1,000 Investment Note, you can earn up to 3% interest while helping to capitalize small business businesses in your community. ::Learn More::

Alumni Spotlights

At the age of 14, Francisco Moraza dreamed of some day owning his own restaurant. In his adolescent mind he knew he would serve traditional Mexican cuisine and he even had the perfect name – El Burro Loco or The Crazy Donkey. Moraza was full of ambition, had very little business knowledge to turn his dream into reality. In 2003, that changed when Moraza enrolled in Mountain BizWorks’ Foundations class and learned the basics of starting a business.

Foundations, Mountain BizWorks signature business planning course, guided Moraza though the process of estimating start-up costs; how to make cash flow projections and calculate unit prices; where to go for licensure and permits; what components go into a marketing plan; and where to look for financing.

Francisco Moraza, along with his wife, Emma opened The Crazy Donkey on April 5, 2006 in Brevard’s Chestnut Square shopping center. The couple, along with Emma’ sister, Evangeline, are proud to offer a menu of authentic Mexican food prepared with fresh ingredients that Francisco personally selects. The Crazy Donkey is open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.