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Natural Capital Investment Fund finances and advises small to mid-sized enterprises, primarily in rural and underserved communities across a nine-state region. They help innovative entrepreneurs build locally-owned enterprises that create lasting jobs and community wealth, while using natural resources responsibly.
For example, NCIF borrowers build local food systems; conserve energy and water; support eco-tourism; find creative outlets for recycled materials; and provide essential community services.
They frequently partner with banks and community development lenders to provide the complete financing package a company needs to grow. They specialize in flexible capital that reduces the risk that senior lenders face, so they can participate in financing our target sectors.
Portfolio Companies
Hawk Knob Cidery & Mead – Click here to learn more
Swift Level Farm (Greenbrier Valley) – Click here to learn more
Show Notes:
- 0:31-2:25: Jim introduces President and CEO of Natural Capital Investment Fund, Marten Jenkins and asks him to give some background to his personal life and the company.
- 2:26-6:09: Jenkins delves into the details of what his company does and the types of companies they work with as well as provides some examples of West Virginia companies that they have worked with in the past.
- 6:10-6:35: Jim asks Jenkins to talk about the recent funding Natural Capital Investment Fund received from United Bank, a sponsor of the show, in order to support small business in 26 underserved West Virginia counties.
- 6:36-8:25: Jenkins talks about the importance of this funding and what they’re able to do with it in terms of helping local businesses prosper and how they couldn’t do what they do without the help of banks.
- 8:26-9:08: How do small businesses out there get plugged into you and your services?
- 9:09-10:54: Jenkins describes the various “touch points” and resources they utilize to help them get connected with small businesses. Things like WVU extension service, county economic development authorities, and the Chamber of Commerce.
- 10:55-11:19: One of the things that I hear over and over again, especially from small businesses is the struggle and access to capital. What you guys are doing at Natural Capital Investment Fund is really filling a gap right there. Is that a fair assessment?
- 11:20-13:49: “Yes, it is… We can step in and help people build that financial track record.”
- 13:50-14:09: What would you say you’re most excited for in terms of your organization right now?
- 14:10-17:43: “The opportunity to use the internet to market products all over the world.” Jenkins also mentions the Federal and state government making increased investments in broadband.
- 17:44-18:12: Jim takes a brief moment to mention the incredible sponsors of Positively West Virginia.
- 18:13-18:22: What is the vision that you see long-term as President?
- 18:23-21:18: Jenkins says the opportunities to reach new markets and diversify. “Our commitment to our community partners is to grow our resources and build our staff capacities so we can help them deal with the challenges they face.”
- 21:19-21:29: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to young entrepreneurs or start-ups here in West Virginia?
- 21:30-22:54: “Get a good accountant up-front.” Jenkins mentions the many things an accountant can be good for in a business and to maximize their potential.
- 22:55-23:20: What’s one resource you use in your organization that you cannot live without?
- 23:21-23:26: “Microsoft Outlook… Having my contacts, my calendar, and my email all in one place. It’s something I use everyday.”
- 23:27-24:02: What’s one book you’d recommend to aspiring business people and entrepreneurs?
- 24:03-25:10: Jenkins mentions management books by Jack Welch as a recommendation.
- 25:11-25:38: If there’s anyone in West Virginia that you could meet that would help with what you’re doing out there in business, who would it be?
- 25:39-27:58: “I’d like to spend some time talking to Gordon Gee, the President at WVU, and pick his brain on how do we do a better job engaging graduates at WVU and get them to think about entrepreneurship and small business development as a career track.”
- 27:59-28:21: Is there anything else you’d like our listeners and readers to know about you and what you do at Natural Capital Investment Fund?
- 28:22-29:20: “What we do is driven by our partners and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of United Banks, BB&T, Appalachian Regional Commission and people like the Benedum Foundation.”
- 29:21-29:33: How can our listeners learn more about National Capital Investment Fund and get in contact with you?
- 29:34-30:03: Well our phone number is (304) 876-2815 and our website.
- 30:04- Close: Jim thanks today’s guest, Marten Jenkins for joining him on another episode of Positively West Virginia and once again recognizes the wonderful sponsors of the show.