I am pleased to announce that earlier today, in partnership with the Golden LEAF Foundation, Thread Capital, and other nonprofit lenders throughout the state, the NC Rural Center launched a new emergency small business lending program in response to the ongoing economic impact of COVID-19 on North Carolina’s entrepreneurs and small-business owners.

The NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Lending Program, funded through the generous support of the Golden LEAF Foundation, will be managed by the Rural Center, with direct lending facilitated by Thread Capital, Business Expansion Funding Corporation (BEFCOR), Carolina Small Business Development Fund, Self-Help Credit Union, Mountain BizWorks, and Natural Capital Investment Fund (NCIF).

You can read the Golden LEAF Foundation press release here.

Here’s where you come in: We need you to help us spread the word. Do you know a small business in your local community or region that has been impacted by COVID-19? Tell them to visit www.ncrapidrecovery.org to learn more and start the application for a rapid recovery loan.

While there is still much we do not know about COVID-19’s long-term impact, there is one thing we are certain of: we are all in this together. In the meantime: hunker down, help each other out, and stay informed.

And know that we are here to help.

Onward,

Patrick Woodie
President