Rural businesses can face extra challenges to get past the "Death Valley Curve," a phase where startups balance growth potential with limited funding. Jessi Runner's Beauty Mark Mobile Salon exemplifies this support, having found the backing to expand with an innovative business model that benefits multiple rural communities.

A credit check is part of almost anything you try to do these days … get a job, get a home, insure your car … . A good credit score will save you money and open doors.

St. Clair County, Missouri, resident Matt Anderson moved his credit score from zero to 700 in less than six months with the help of nonprofit New Growth’s free credit building program.

Credit building program builds pipeline of bankable borrowers. Since October 2021, 26 participants in the New Growth community development corporation program have improved their credit scores 875 points, with a top entrepreneur achievement of 108 points.