Regional Economies: The Power to Build from Within

A Western North Carolina conversation hosted by New Reality Fund

Western North Carolina is powered by privately held businesses that create jobs, move goods, provide essential services, and strengthen our region through what we produce and export beyond it.

Yet modern investment infrastructure is primarily built around public markets, making national and global exposure simple and accessible. There is currently no streamlined vehicle that allows individuals to invest at scale in the private businesses that anchor their own regional economy.

As a result, local capital often flows outward by default.

This evening brings together regional leaders, business owners, financial professionals, and community stakeholders to explore a practical question:

What would the impact be if local investors had a simple, diversified way to access and support the private businesses that power Western North Carolina?

We’ll discuss:

• How capital currently flows through regions
• Why access to private regional businesses is limited
• What a regional Business Development Company (BDC) model represents in theory
• How Western North Carolina can think strategically about long-term economic resilience

This is not a fundraising event. No investment opportunities will be discussed. The focus is education, dialogue, and relationship-building.

📍 Highland Brewing Company
🎟 Two drink tickets and light appetizers included
📝 RSVP required

Space is limited.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Lisa J Heathfield