earn - economic opportunity

housing

education

economic
opportunity

health &
wellness

We believe the ability to earn an income which can sufficiently support a family is at the foundation of sustaining a healthy life. We believe economic opportunity is a powerful tool to overcome poverty and to improve all social determinants of health. Dogwood Health Trust’s Economic Opportunity portfolio aims to equitably support every western North Carolinian in their efforts to earn a wage that will allow them to support themselves and their family, regardless of status, gender or ethnicity.

Funding Priorities
At-a-Glance

Want to know more? Find out more about Economic Opportunity funding opportunities.

Take a minute to read a message from Sarah Thompson, Vice President – Economic Opportunity, to find out what we are focusing on in 2024.

what we’re learning about economic opportunity

Economic Impacts of the Canton Paper Mill Closure

Opportunities for AgriFood Tech in WNC

WNC Capital Landscape Assessment

how to apply

Want to discuss your ideas? Engage with us to start the process.

meet the economic
opportunity team

Sarah Thompson

Vice President – Economic Opportunity
[email protected]

Cory Blankenship

Officer – Economic Opportunity
[email protected]

Moriah Dean

Associate- Economic Opportunity
[email protected]

partner outcomes

partner stories

Eagle Market Streets

By providing access to capital, technical assistance and the support of a cohort, the Community Equity Fund is expected to serve up to 30 businesses and support approximately 150 jobs to help BIPOC business owners and workers begin to build assets and create wealth.

partner stories

Hinton Rural Life Center

Hinton Rural Life Center saw a need for rural leadership development and created a leadership program that addresses rural-specific issues that leaders face in their communities. The program began with a local leadership program called Leadership Chatuge.

partner stories

McDowell Technical Community College

McDowell Community Technical College, in partnership with Dogwood, has developed an innovative curriculum to provide practical skills training in general construction, construction project management and a specialized elective in modular housing installation.

partner stories

Mountain BizWorks

Mountain BizWorks seeks to build a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial culture throughout the 18 counties in Western North Carolina. They work hard to help small businesses start, grow and thrive with the motto of “when small businesses succeed, we all prosper.”

partner stories

Unidxs WNC

As a small, new nonprofit working to address social, economic, educational and cultural inequities in Jackson and Graham Counties, Unidxs WNC actively engages and supports the Hispanic and Latino community – but faced a challenge in engaging the support of foundation funders.

partner stories

Western Piedmont Community College

Western Piedmont Community College and Dogwood invested in College Success Coaches to aid students in their college education journey. The college created positions for two Success Coaches responsible for contacting and regularly interacting with students, especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual learning.

economic opportunity
goals & objectives

Goal 1

Develop A Comprehensive Data Resource

Source, analyze and share comprehensive regional data that paints a full picture of work readiness, economic development and entrepreneurial needs and opportunities specific to Western North Carolina

Goal 2

Promote Work Readiness

Help build a skilled workforce with the knowledge and technical abilities to excel in a wide range of industry employment opportunities that provide a competitive, sustainable wage

Goal 3

Build Economic Ecosystems

Help build a regional economic ecosystem that supports increased creation/retention of jobs and business ownership

Goal 4

Foster Entrepreneurship

Support a well-funded, sustainable, competitive entrepreneur and small business ecosystem throughout the region

earn - economic opportunity

Funding Priorities At-a-Glance

what we’re learning about economic opportunity

Economic Impacts of the Canton Paper Mill Closure

Opportunities for AgriFood Tech in WNC

WNC Capital Landscape Assessment

how to apply

meet the economic opportunity team

Sarah Thompson

Cory Blankenship

Moriah Dean

partner outcomes

partner stories

Eagle Market Streets

partner stories

Hinton Rural Life Center

partner stories

McDowell Technical Community College

partner stories

Mountain BizWorks

partner stories

Unidxs WNC

partner stories

Western Piedmont Community College

economic opportunity goals & objectives

Goal 1

Develop A Comprehensive Data Resource

Goal 2

Promote Work Readiness

Goal 3

Build Economic Ecosystems

Goal 4

Foster Entrepreneurship

Join our mailing list to receive updates on our latest news, funding opportunities, and more.

Funding Priorities
At-a-Glance

meet the economic
opportunity team

economic opportunity
goals & objectives