Accelerating Appalachia Growing the Regenerative Economy

Accelerating Appalachia builds sustainable regenerative agricultural systems and communities for a resilient and prosperous Appalachia.

Who We Are

Photo of beekeeper inspecting a beehive.

We are passionate about restoring and protecting Appalachia.

We work with farmers, growers, and small nature-based businesses providing resources and training to adopt regenerative and just business practices.

We are committed to resilient regional production and manufacturing in food, fiber and forest products.

Accelerating Appalachia was established in 2012 to create the first regenerative agricultural business accelerator program in the world.

In 2023, Accelerating Appalachia launched The Building Soil, Building Equity program, providing USDA funding and training for farmers and producers to adopt regenerative agriculture practices.

Learn More About BSBE
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Building Communities

Nature-based businesses strengthen rural communities and local economies. Our businesses support over 1,000 jobs in food, forest products, fiber and textiles, and wellness and health.

Photo of happy woman at a stand selling plants to a charming old man.

Building Business

Nature-based businesses are a growing market. Our program graduates have leveraged $20.2 million in investments.

Group of smiling women pose for a photo holding freshly harvested vegetables.

Building Equity

Nature-based business are committed to equitable and diverse communities. 75% of our graduates are women-led.

Latest News

We’re on Our Way to Building a Resilient Future

Accelerating Appalachia has launched a historic, expansive project to spread climate-smart, regenerative farming across Appalachia and the Southeast.    We’re excited to announce the launch of the Building Soil, Building Equity program…

Accelerating Appalachia Awarded $20 Million From USDA-NRCS to Incentivize Farmers In Climate-Smart Practices

Connect with us about our 2022 Programs!

New programs for 2022! Are you a Nature-Based Business in food, beverage, textile, shelter, wellness and the outdoors looking to expand?
See All News

Partners

Community Ventures
Kentucky Farm Alliance
Kentucky Center for Ag and Rural Development (KCARD)
Kentucky Proud
The Adaway Group
Creative Reaction Lab
Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (Maced)
Appalachian Food Summit
Local Foods Network
Rural Scale
University of Pikeville
Slow Money NC
Prosperity Collective
Grow Appalachia
Investors' Circle
ASAP Local Foods
BALLE | BE A LOCALIST
Big Path Capital
Warren Wilson College
Appalachia KY Proud
Asheville Grown
Socap
You Noodle
Village Capital
The Berry Center
Solidarity Capital Group
Green Sage Cafe
KY Entrepreneurial Coaches Institute
Mountain Biz Works
REINVENTURE CAPITAL
RSF Social Finance
Seed Capital Kentucky
Self-Help Credit Union
Blue Sky Network

Accelerating Appalachia: Growing the Regenerative Economy

Accelerating Appalachia is passionate about building sustainable regenerative agricultural systems and resilient communities in Appalachia.

Our regenerative business accelerator connects farmers, growers, and agriculture-based businesses with climate-minded investors, mentors, and businesses. We provide training and support to adopt regenerative practices, scale operations, and create market opportunities for nature-based businesses.

With roots in the region, we are committed to building sustainable systems that restore and protect our natural abundance, agricultural industry and farmlands, the health of people and communities, and build prosperity in Appalachia.