Facilitating wealth building that’s rooted in the region
Across Appalachia, small businesses make up 99% of all businesses and employ nearly half of the region’s workforce. Yet, decades of disinvestment have limited access to the funding needed to drive local prosperity.
To restore access, Redefine Alliance and RIIF Capital are:
- Deploying innovative financing, alongside technical assistance, to support businesses and stakeholders in increasing job quality and economic power for workers.
- Seeding the local impact investment talent pipeline in partnership with regional universities.
- Convening employers and workforce nonprofits to advance and expand public funding opportunities that incentivize investments in quality jobs.
Active Appalachia Programs
Appalachian Emerging Investors Fund
Through the AEIF, students at Marshall University, WVU, and Ohio University gain hands-on experience in venture investing — fueling local businesses, supporting economic growth, and shaping the future of their communities.
Appalachian Growth Fund
AGF offers investments that prioritize small businesses, which employ nearly half of Appalachia’s workforce, with the goal of building wealth that stays in the local economy.
2026 SNAP E&T Technical Assistance Cohort
In this program, organizations prepare to become SNAP Employment & Training providers. Our 2026 cohort focuses on Appalachian enterprises.
Our Core Partners
Leading Inclusive Employers in Appalachia​
Partner Universities
