Strategic Initiatives

NCIFund’s current strategic initiatives use targeted funding to “double down” on particular sectors, taking our combined approach of loan capital and business advisory services to the next level. For example:

• Energy

  Through our Energy Efficient Enterprises Initiative, we’ve partnered with USDA REAP  (Rural Energy for America Program) to fund energy audits for small businesses, then follow up with loan financing to help borrowers finance the projects that make economic sense. 

• Farmers of Color

  Our Farmers of Color Initiative provides minority farmers in North Carolina with specialized services and flexible loan capital.

• Food

  Through our Food Systems Initiative, NCIFund provides financing and business coaching to food-related businesses across central Appalachia and the Southeast, supporting access to fresh, healthy food for communities, and supporting local jobs.

• Tourism in southern West Virginia 

  Our Southern West Virginia Tourism Initiative is providing business loans, entrepreneurial training and small business coaching for businesses along the Hatfield-McCoy Trails to support the development of a sustainable tourism economy.

For more information, please contact Rick Larson, Director of Strategic Initiatives at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 919-951-0113.