Appalachian Community Capital Development Foundation

Acc and its members responded to the challenges of covid-19 by creating new or building on existing programs intended to be more inclusive and address the importance of small businesses. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are a cornerstone of acc's strategic plan. Acc contracted with two consultants to help develop a revised 5-year strategic plan (2022- 27) and to prepare proformas to align with the new goals. Acc's strategic plan covers four primary pillars: pillar i blended finance facility (dei, green enterprise, and small business refi initiatives) pillar ii knowledge and learning platform (peer-to-peer portal, professional learning portal) pillar iii technology transformation (data analytics, white label solutions) pillar iv structured finance (identify opportunities with new markets tax credits, opportunity zones, bridge financing, and creation of an acc credit facility).

Working with a consultant, acc obtained an additional $10million investment from the ford Foundation. Following an initial investment in acc in 2015, the Foundation announced in december 2022 that it was increasing its support to further the economic enrichment of local communities in the rural midwest and south, including coal-dependent areas.in 2022, with the support of the business Development officer, acc's membership increased from 27 to 32 cdfis located and working in the Appalachian region. At year end, combined asset sizes of the 32 members totaled $2.5 billion.