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    HomeResearch, Evaluations, Maps, and DataEvaluation of ARC’s Business Development Grants Closed Between 2017-2021

      	
	
Evaluation of ARC’s Business Development Grants Closed Between 2017-2021
	
			October 30, 2023EvaluationBusiness and EntrepreneurshipEvaluations
	
				
	
	
	**Author(s):** Jessica Pugil, Bret Sinclair, Paul Wright, Angelica Torres, and Kim Ross
            **Author Organization(s):** Working Partner, Wright Venture Services, Buzzworthy Biz, and P/Strada
        This report presents findings from an evaluation of ARC’s business development projects that closed between 2017 and 2021, **representing 220 grants**and **nearly $75 million of ARC investment.** The evaluation found that ARC’s business development grants closed during that timeframe led to improvements for nearly 11,000 businesses and **facilitated the creation of over 14,500 jobs and 1,944 businesses**.

In addition, ARC-funded business development projects **leveraged over $923 million in private investment.** These grants helped beneficiaries start or grow their businesses, access affordable loans or other capital, develop new marketing skills which in turn increased access to new markets, establish new networks, and strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset.

Grantees described additional long-term impacts of their projects, such as increased awareness or enhanced reputation for their projects that extended their reach to new populations; new partnerships and community connections that brought new capacities to the projects; new ways to leverage technology to support rural entrepreneurs; stronger entrepreneur ecosystems; and community improvements that increased community pride.




Evaluation of ARC’s Business Development Projects Closed Between 2017-2021 – Full Report – pdf 5 MB															
				
Evaluation of ARC’s Business Development Projects Closed Between 2017-2021 – Executive Summary – pdf 625 KB Appalachian Regional Commission

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