b'A key component of RCACs mission is to help communities develop their own assets and resources to build and expand their rural economies. In 2013, RCAC established its Building Rural Economies (BRE) program with three aimsto increase local entrepreneurship and jobs, to develop cata-lytic projects that seed additional investments, and develop a supportive, entrepreneurial environment for economic development to thrive. RCAC works with a local partner to conduct community asset mapping and value chain analysis; facilitate networking; plan economic development strategies; and support business expansion and development. The program assists both new and existing entrepreneurs with either a start-up project or with a business that requires repositioning and expert guidance.As of September 2019, BRE was working in 33 communities, including Globe, Arizona; Eastern Coachella Valley, California; Havre and Lewistown, Montana; Cochiti Pueblo, Hatch, Mora and Rio Arriba County, New Mexico; Enterprise, Oregon; Green River, Utah and Wellpinit, Washington. These communities have accessed $10.5 million infunding. In addition, partici-pants have:Created 16 new businessesExpanded 24 existing businessCreated 62 new business ventures (part-time activities)ventures (part-time activities)Retained 10 existing businessesExpanded 20 existing Retained 25 existing jobs businessesCreated 104 new jobs'