Self-Help collaborates closely with two specialty loan funds to stimulate economic development, create jobs, and promote the social welfare of distressed and rural communities across the state. Self-help borrower Eastern Carolina Organics is a farmer-owned distributor of organic produce. Current Specialty Loan Programs Golden LEAF Small Business Assistance Fund Thanks to support from the Golden LEAF Foundation, Self-Help offers the Golden LEAF Small Business Assistance Fund, which aims to create jobs by helping businesses expand. Priority industries include health care, construction, green industries, agriculture and manufacturing Emphasis on economically-distressed and rural communities in North Carolina (Tier 1, Tier 2 and formerly tobacco-dependent Tier 3 counties) Minority and women business owners strongly encouraged to apply Can be combined with SBA or USDA guarantees Small Business Assistance Fund Self-Help partners with the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center to create the Small Business Assistance Fund, designed to promote economic development in North Carolina. Available to businesses across North Carolina Minority and women business owners are strongly encouraged to apply Can be combined with SBA and USDA guarantees For-profit businesses only