This Golden LEAF grant will be used to assist North Carolina residents in improving their economic condition by pursuing development, expansion or modernization of a small business, thereby creating and retaining needed jobs. Funds will be used to form a loan loss reserve for banks when loans are made to clients that fall within the identified program target market. The program creates the needed incentive and coverage for banks to reach the client that represents more risk that accepted under usual lending criteria. Information on the lending program and a list of participating banks can be found at www.ncruralcenter.org/grants/capital.