Building Our Local Economy

Many rural communities are experiencing a decline in the number of locally owned small businesses. As these businesses close, they have the effect of decreasing the availability of goods and services to meet the basic needs of the residents—encouraging them to buy outside the community. This in turn can lead to decreasing sales for other small businesses

Locally owned enterprises support the economic health of rural communities by keeping the money in the area. Residents who purchase their goods and services locally help to support these small businesses as well as sustain and revitalize their community.

West CAP’s Business Development Staff works to foster self-sufficiency through self-employment. Although the success of small business depends on many factors, we stress the importance of the community’s commitment to purchase goods and services from locally owned businesses.

Our staff works one-on-one with existing and potential business owners, assisting them with the many activities necessary to establish a successful small business. We also provide on-going business counseling and support after the business has opened to trouble shoot and address any problems that may threaten the health of the business.

Over the past few years, these businesses have provided over 200 living-wage jobs to individuals and have increased the standard of living and financial self-sufficiency of numerous families.

Micro-Enterprise Services

Business planning and consulting services

• Business plan review and development
• Feasibility studies
• Marketing research, planning and promotion
• Management systems planning and design
• Development of financial statements
• Micro-enterprise loan fund