For small businesses to grow, they need to be invested in. Natural Capital Investment Fund (NCIF), located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, finances and advises small to mid-sized enterprises, primarily in rural and underserved communities across a nine-state region, to build locally-owned companies that create lasting jobs and community development. NCIF borrowers build local food systems, conserve energy and water, support ecotourism and find creative outlets for recycled materials and provide essential community services. 

Marten Jenkins, President and CEO of NCIF, talked with Positively West Virginia Podcast host, Jim Matuga, about the importance of funding small businesses and what owners can be doing to build their success.

Importance of funding small businesses.

When a business is new, it needs capital.

Community Development

Hawk Knob Cidery & Meadery

NCIF frequently partners 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 their target sectors. 

“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,” Jenkins said.

Don’t be afraid to use the internet to reach your audience.

Once your business is off the ground, you need to reach your target audience.

Many businesses are turning to more non-traditional media such as social media to start the conversation with their consumer.

For example, Facebook, owner of Instagram, allows marketers and businesses to cross advertise on both platforms for no extra cost.

When asked what Jenkins was most excited about for NCIF, he said, “The opportunity to use the internet to market products all over the world.”

Start connecting with people.

When looking for funding, don’t be afraid to connect with people, even if you aren’t sure they can help you.

By connecting with others, even the ones that can’t help, you get the word out about your brand and your businesses.

Also, these people may know someone that can help such as a lender or resource like WVU Extension Service and the Chamber of Commerce.

NCIF can bridge the gap between small businesses and lenders.

“We can step in and help people build a financial track record,” discussed Jenkins.

Jenkins was a guest on the Positively West Virginia Podcast. Listen to his full podcast here.

 

PWV QUICK BITS | COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 

 

  • Recommended Resource: Use Microsoft Outlook to keep track of contacts, calendars and emails.
  • Recommended Author: Jack Welch, retired business executive, author and chemical engineer.
  • Person Jenkins would like to meet: “I’d like to spend some time talking to Gordon Gee, the President at WVU, and pick his brain on how we could do a better job engaging graduates at WVU and get them to think about entrepreneurship and small business development as a career track.”