The organization has been operating for 20 years and has developed innovative job creation programs that cater to the unique needs of the mountain communities in the region. AdvantageWest's service area spans an area larger than eight other US states and is roughly the size of Maryland, with a population of about 1.1 million citizens. Although it closed in 2015 due to funding loss, its programs, including Blue Ridge Food Ventures and entrepreneurial development programs, were adopted by other organizations. AdvantageWest also prioritized job creation and economic development in advanced manufacturing, the green economy, and managed the WNC Film Commission.