What We Do

At the Mountain Association, we work alongside people and communities to build to a new economy and a brighter future in Eastern Kentucky.

Established in 1976, we are a nonprofit that invests in people and places in the 54 Appalachian Counties of Kentucky.

Here, small business owners and community leaders can access flexible financing to start or grow their enterprises, even if traditional lending options aren’t a fit. As a Community Development Financial Institution, we tailor loans to the unique situations life in Appalachia brings. Today, we have more than $22 million invested in small businesses across the region.

Beyond loans, business and nonprofit leaders can also receive personalized guidance, training, and resources designed to help them succeed and grow sustainably.

Additionally, to help businesses and nonprofits reduce costs and plan for long‑term savings, our energy experts provide bill analysis, energy efficiency and solar assessments, grant application assistance, and financing options.

We also collaborate with partners to research challenges, share local stories, and advocate for policies that support community‑led growth. Through this work, we help demonstrate what’s possible, changing the narrative and expanding opportunity across Eastern Kentucky.

Adair
Bath
Bell
Boyd
Breathitt
Casey
Carter
Clark
Clay

Clinton
Cumberland
Edmonson
Elliott
Estill
Fleming
Floyd
Garrard
Green

Greenup
Harlan
Hart
Jackson
Johnson
Knott
Knox
Laurel
Lawrence

Lee
Leslie
Letcher
Lewis
Lincoln
Madison
Magoffin
Martin
McCreary

Menifee
Metcalfe
Monroe
Montgomery
Morgan
Nicholas
Owsley
Perry
Pike

Powell
Pulaski
Robertson
Rockcastle
Rowan
Russell
Wayne
Whitley
Wolfe