In this episode, we dive into the expansive list of resources available for entrepreneurs in Asheville. From networking communities to funding options, there’s a diverse range of support to help startups and small businesses launch, grow, and thrive in this city.

Networking/Connections

  • Asheville Chamber/Venture Asheville: A network that bridges the gap between entrepreneurs and potential investors to catalyze growth in the Asheville startup ecosystem.
  • MadeXMTNS: A collective aiming to bolster the local manufacturing sector, providing a platform for connections and collaboration.
  • Outdoor Business Alliance: An alliance fostering connections among outdoor industry entrepreneurs, promoting sustainable business practices.
  • Young Professionals of Asheville: A community for young professionals to network, learn, and grow their careers in Asheville (connected to the Asheville Chamber of Commerce.
  • AIGA: The professional association for design, offering networking and educational opportunities for designers at all levels.
  • Making It In Asheville: A podcast and platform sharing stories and lessons from Asheville’s entrepreneurs, artists, and community builders.
  • MIIA Masterminds: A segment of Making It In Asheville, providing a space for focused discussions among local entrepreneurs.
  • MIIA Salons: Networking events organized by Making It In Asheville, fostering dialogue and connections among Asheville’s creative community.
  • MeetUp.com: An online platform hosting various local groups and networking events catering to a range of interests and professional domains.

Knowledge/Skills

Money

  • A. Debt
    • Eagle Market Streets: Community Equity Fund: Aims to foster economic equality by investing in under-resourced businesses and communities.
    • Mountain BizWorks: Offers flexible loans and technical assistance to underserved entrepreneurs.
    • Partner Community Capital: Provides flexible loans and strategic advisory to empower underserved businesses.
    • PCAP: Building Equity Fund: Provides low-interest loans with a 10% loan-to-equity conversion rate to bridge the equity gap for entrepreneurs of color.
    • Self-Help Credit Union: Offers flexible lending solutions to unconventional businesses and nonprofits.
    • xElle Ventures: Supports U.S.-based, female-led startups through loans and mentorship, focusing on innovative financing and marketing support.
  • B. Equity
    • VentureSouth: An angel investment network supporting early-stage, high-growth companies in the Southeast.
    • Carolina Angel Network: Connects innovative startups with accredited investors, specializing in Non-Life Sciences, Medical Devices, and Biotech sectors.
    • Asheville Angels: Asheville Angels is a member-based angel investor network. We invest in and support startups and early-stage, high-growth companies in Asheville and across the Southeast.
    • Impact WNC Fund: Impact WNC Fund will promote and foster economic prosperity in Western North Carolina (WNC) by providing WNC-based entrepreneurs and small business owners with the capital and support they need to succeed.
  • C. Grants

Space

  • Center for Craft Coworking: A shared workspace for craft professionals with access to tools, resources, and networking opportunities.
  • Focal Point Coworking: Offers a modern co-working space with flexible membership options for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
  • Mojo Coworking: Provides affordable and flexible workspaces, catering to remote workers and freelancers.
  • Hatch Coworking: A space fostering community, collaboration, and growth for local entrepreneurs and professionals.
  • Asheville Makers Space: Supports creatives with resources and community to turn their passion into a successful business.
  • The Collider: A hub for climate entrepreneurs, offering workspace and networking opportunities to drive climate solutions.
  • Ernest Co-warehousing and Co-working: Provides a hybrid warehousing and co-working solution, meeting diverse business needs.

Talent

Support Services

  • NC Free Legal Answers: An online platform offering free legal advice in over 20 civil legal categories by connecting individuals with volunteer lawyers.
  • Startup NC Law Clinic: Provides free legal guidance on business-related issues, helping entrepreneurs navigate legal complexities and build a solid legal foundation for their ventures.

Participate in Season 11 of Making It in Asheville

Season 11 of Making It in Asheville is all about community engagement.

Unlike previous seasons, this one takes a turn from the traditional interview style to handing the mic over to you the listener.

We’ve set up a hotline at (828) 552-4832 where you can leave a voicemail answering prompts or sharing valuable insights. We’ve also prepared a survey for listeners to engage and contribute to the community’s collective knowledge.

Your voice could be featured in upcoming episodes, contributing to the dynamic conversation on entrepreneurship in Asheville. This season celebrates Asheville’s entrepreneurial spirit and encourages everyone to engage, share their thoughts, and continue making it in Asheville, together.

Check out the Season 11 page for more details on how you can participate in this exciting journey.