We are the Working Team for Appalachian Ventures. We are working to tell the story of economic impact in the Appalachian region.

The Working Team for Appalachian Ventures represents a team of highly  experienced consultants who have expertise in multi-site evaluation and business development, as well as familiarity with the characteristics and culture of businesses and entrepreneurs in the Appalachian region. Our team has come together to evaluate the impact of 250 Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) business development grants that were dispersed across the ARC’s large and diverse geography.

Our Consultant Team Members

Our decision to work under the Working Team for Appalachian Ventures name is driven by our commitment to equity. By working under one banner, we aim to create a culture of inclusivity and transparency, making sure that each consultant’s voice is heard and that their perspectives are included throughout the full process of collecting data and making sense of it.

About the Appalachian Regional Commission

Applachian Regional Commission logo
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a regional economic development agency serving 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia. Strengthening and diversifying the Region’s economy through inclusive economic development strategies and investments in entrepreneurship and business development is a crucial goal of ARC’s work. ARC business development grants support startup entrepreneurs and small businesses in a variety of industries, emphasizing place-based economic development and growth strategies that leverage regional assets and cultivate multifaceted partnerships.