Small Business Financing

Some of the best business ideas start small—and rural. Across farms, forests, and whitewater rapids, entrepreneurs see business potential in celebrating or sustainably tapping the environment. But how can these ideas move from the drawing board and into the community?

The Natural Capital Investment Fund (NCIF), an affiliate of The Conservation Fund, offers solutions. NCIF provides flexible, “patient” capital to small and emerging natural resource-based businesses that will advance sustainable economic development throughout West Virginia, North Carolina, Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.

In particular, NCIF provides up to $250,000 in debt or equity financing and targeted technical assistance to a broad range of environmental businesses -- from specialty food producers to eco-tourism and from biofuels manufacturers to multi-million dollar forest products enterprises.

Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural communities creates more than just financial returns. Most of NCIF's clients are located in economically distressed rural counties where creating jobs – particularly in businesses that respect natural resources – is critical to a community’s very survival.

And, since the businesses are natural resource-based, they provide a reason to protect the lands and waters on which they depend, building a long-term foundation for prosperity and a sustainable business plan for conservation.

Get Involved

You can support the work of the Natural Capital Investment Fund in several ways:

• Learn more about the work of NCIF at www.ncifund.org. Check out the businesses that NCIF supports and consider doing business with them. Read more>>
• Subscribe to Natural Capital Quarterly, a complimentary e-newsletter, to receive updates on current portfolio companies and new investments. Subscribe now>>
• Make an online contribution today and invest directly in the future of these rural businesses and landscapes. Because NCIF is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, the Fund can “match” your donation - every private dollar contributed can generate an additional $3 in public and private grants and investments - collectively building a brighter future for rural businesses and the communities that rely on them.

Donate Now