West Virginia Business Resource Directory

Community SupportS t a t e w i d eWest Virginia Development Office continued ...Program: Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)DescriptionThe Appalachian Regional Commission provides federal grant funds for thesupport of economic and community development in West Virginia and 12 otherstates in the Appalachian Region. The goal of ARC is to create opportunities forself-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life.Projects must support one of the four ARC goals:• Increase job opportunities and per capita income in Appalachia to reachparity with the nation.• Strengthen the capacity of the people of Appalachia to compete in theglobal economy.• Develop and improve Appalachia’s infrastructure to make the Regioneconomically competitive.• Build the Appalachian Development Highway System to reduce Appalachia’sisolation.Activities generally eligible for funding include, but are not limited to,projects that:• Improve infrastructure for community and economic development.• Improve educational opportunities and workforce skills.• Improve health care resources.• Increase entrepreneurial opportunities.• Increase civic and leadership capacity.EligibleApplicantsState and local units of government, public and private non-profits. Individualsand businesses are not eligible for ARC assistance.Matching rates vary depending upon the location of the project. Please consultour office for matching requirements.RestrictionsActivities generally not eligible for ARC assistance include, but are not limitedto, construction of libraries, hospitals, parks and playgrounds, schools, andpublic office buildings. No direct support to private businesses, however, theymay be eligible for loan assistance from one of the ARC-supported revolvingloan fund programs in the state. Contact our office for more details.B–4 B U S I N E S S R E S O U R C E D I R E C T O R Y