AdvantageWest Economic development group serving 23 western counties. Asheville. 828-687-7234

Center for Veteran Enterprises Assists veteran entrepreneurs to start and expand their businesses.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service One-on-one counseling in money management and debt repayment.

Cherokee NC Chamber of Commerce Tourism & business organization. 877-433-6700

Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians Official Cherokee government web site. Main office 828-497-7000

First Citizens Bank Personal and business loans. Cherokee main branch, Tsali Blvd. 828-497-2041

Haywood Community College Waynesville 828-627-2821

Mountain BizWorks (formerly Mountain Microenterprise Fund) Training, consulting and financing for start-up or business expansion. Asheville 888-389-3089

Mountain Credit Union Personal and business loans. Cherokee branch, 375 Sequoyah Tr #39. 828-497-6211

NC Council for Entrepreneurial Development

NC Department of Commerce

NC Inst. of Minority Economic Development Minority business development, women's business center

NC Rural Economic Development Center Rural policy initiatives, capacity building programs, research and information tools

NC Small Business & Technology Development Center Counseling, education and business planning.

Qualla Financial Freedom Financial management skills at the WCU-Cherokee Center, Acquoni Rd. 828-497-7233

Self Help Credit Union Community development lender for home buyers, small businesses and nonprofits. Durham 800-476-7428

Smoky Mountain Development Corporation SBA 504 loans for up to $1.5 million. Waynesville 828-452-1967