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Whether you’re the next 7-figure startup, or a solo-preneur working from home, Startup High Country wants to connect you to the right resources to solve your unique business needs.
Start here with our easy guide to Business & Startup Resources of the High Country.
Keep scrolling to explore more local resources for entrepreneurs
Funding Resources
Providing capital and leadership to companies in Western North Carolina
The High Country Impact Fund provides funding and support to seed early stage, high growth companies in the High Country. The Fund aims to deliver attractive financial returns to its investors, create good, high-paying jobs and establish access to emerging sector opportunities throughout the region. We typically invest $35k-$100k at the seed stage, are actively involved with the founders to help them build successful companies, and may provide larger follow-on investments.
Radically improving the ability of dreamers to become entrepreneurs
By combining comprehensive business courses, highly customized peer-to-peer business coaching and industry-leading non-traditional funding expertise, Mountain BizWorks helps small businesses of all types find the best path to success.
Invest in founders building the future. Crowdfunding for startups
You can think of us like “Kickstarter for investing”. Wefunder lets investors own a small stake in your company, while Kickstarter allows you to sell products. We think Kickstarter is super cool, but a customer is very different than an investor. A customer just expects a product – an investor wants to help your company long-term.
Advancing Entrepreneurship in North Carolina
NC IDEA is a private foundation that supports entrepreneurship in North Carolina through grants and innovative programs for startups and small businesses.
P.S. Startup High Country exist in HUGE part thanks to the funding and support provided by NC IDEA.
Coaching & Mentorship Resources
An inner circle of top-tier entrepreneurs ready to bring it
Startup High Country’s intimate inner circle of entrepreneurs who are ready for action. We provide mentorship, leadership training, and community to businesses and startups who are high-growth, high-impact, and ready to scale. Inquire for more information here.
A full array of resources to help support and accelerate a growth mindset
The Center for Entrepreneurship’s mission is to instill an entrepreneurial mindset and provide mentorship to help students and members of the community achieve their own compelling goals. They focus on providing a full array of resources to help support and accelerate a growth mindset. Managing Director Eric Schlenker is extremely friendly and supportive. Contact him at schlenkere@appstate.edu.
Free support and training for entrepreneurs
The Small Business Center Network, comprised of 58 Small Business Centers throughout North Carolina, supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of training, counseling, and resource information. A Small Business Center is located within 30 minutes of nearly everyone in the state at the local Community College.
Industry Specific Support
WNC is Made By Mountains
Made by Mountains provides resources to help catalyze new outdoor business development, recruit outdoor businesses and talent, expand existing outdoor enterprises, showcase improved quality of life and connectivity for locals, and care for the landscapes and towns that make this region so special.