Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Monday, January 16, 2023
Henderson County Tourism Grant Program Now Open
Jan 16 all-day
online

 

The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) offers an annual grant program to benefit tourism-related businesses and non-profit organizations as a way to build Henderson County into an even stronger tourist destination — the better you are, the better we are! The yearly grant program accepts applications from December through January, with selections and disbursements being made in the spring (see timeline below for exact dates).

4 info sessions were held leading up to the grant request period.

1) Watch a recording of the General Info Meeting
2) Watch a recording of the Destination Enhancement Grant Info Meeting
3) Watch a recording of the Marketing Grant Info Meeting
4) Watch a recording of the Event Grant Info Meeting

Grants are awarded in 3 categories: Marketing Grants, to promote your business or event; Event Grants, to support the operations budget of the event; and Destination Enhancement Grants, which includes building new or improving existing assets.

The HCTDA is empowered to award grant funding through state tax legislation using occupancy tax collection monies, and decisions on grant recipients are made by a Grants Committee that is comprised of HCTDA Board members and representatives from the community.

Find out if your organization or project is eligible for funding at the links below. With additional questions, please contact the Asset & Event Development Coordinator, Amy Boswell.

Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Henderson County Tourism Grant Program Now Open
Jan 17 all-day
online

 

The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) offers an annual grant program to benefit tourism-related businesses and non-profit organizations as a way to build Henderson County into an even stronger tourist destination — the better you are, the better we are! The yearly grant program accepts applications from December through January, with selections and disbursements being made in the spring (see timeline below for exact dates).

4 info sessions were held leading up to the grant request period.

1) Watch a recording of the General Info Meeting
2) Watch a recording of the Destination Enhancement Grant Info Meeting
3) Watch a recording of the Marketing Grant Info Meeting
4) Watch a recording of the Event Grant Info Meeting

Grants are awarded in 3 categories: Marketing Grants, to promote your business or event; Event Grants, to support the operations budget of the event; and Destination Enhancement Grants, which includes building new or improving existing assets.

The HCTDA is empowered to award grant funding through state tax legislation using occupancy tax collection monies, and decisions on grant recipients are made by a Grants Committee that is comprised of HCTDA Board members and representatives from the community.

Find out if your organization or project is eligible for funding at the links below. With additional questions, please contact the Asset & Event Development Coordinator, Amy Boswell.

Build Your Business with Instagram (1 of 2)
Jan 17 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
online w/ BRCC Small Business Center

Online: Zoom
No cost due to sponsor support


Instagram is one of the fastest growing and biggest trending social media for business these days. And it’s always evolving! Join us for this session as we – Learn the difference between Instagram and Instagram for Business – Take a tour of Instagram for business – Review best Practices for posting – Explore the different sub channels of Instagram – Live Q&A In part 2 we will also: – Learn how to use video to maximize your Instagram presence – Explore using hashtags as a powerful and free way to grow visibility for your business – What is tagging a user or business? – Live Q&A

Speaker(s): Aaron Wesley Means

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar information will be emailed after registration.

How to Attract + Recruit Gen Z Masterclass!
Jan 17 @ 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
online

FREE Masterclass to Help You Attract + Recruit Gen Z

Want to attract great Native Digitals? Eliminate candidate “ghosting”? Get Gen Z interested in your positions? You’re in the right place.

Join me for this interactive session! 

Hey there! I’m Hannah!

So nice to meet you! I’m the 24-year-old author of A Leader’s Guide to Unlocking Gen Z, and have helped hundreds of organizations attract Gen Z candidates. (And I’m a local to Asheville :) You may have seen my TEDx talk if you’ve been around.

This is my, workshop that helps business owners, HR leaders, and recruiters successfully attract + recruit Gen Z!

Do you know where 62% of Gen Z find their career and jobs? Hint: It’s not social media.

In this Masterclass, you’ll design a personalized recruiting plan to attract + recruit Gen Z that just MIGHT look crazily different from your current one.

Expand Your Circle: Speed connecting for women entrepreneurs
Jan 17 @ 5:30 pm
Downtown Asheville NC

When women entrepreneurs come together, more knowledge is shared, doors opened, and power multiplied. So come connect with other like-minded, forward thinking, go-getting women at Expand Your Circle.

Traditional networking events can be aaawwwwkward! But we have fun activities that make it easier to connect with other women entrepreneurs.
Connecting is important and here’s why:
* First, having support and community in your business leads to higher success rates.
* When women entrepreneurs come together, more knowledge is shared, doors opened, and power multiplied.
* Having a business bestie to ask “How did you handle that situation?” Or being able to share a win in your business is the best.
* Finally, It’s just way more fun to be connected with other like-minded, forward thinking, go-getting women!

Tickets are $13 and include one drink. The venue will be emailed to you after ticket purchase (yes, very cloak and dagger)

Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Henderson County Tourism Grant Program Now Open
Jan 18 all-day
online

 

The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) offers an annual grant program to benefit tourism-related businesses and non-profit organizations as a way to build Henderson County into an even stronger tourist destination — the better you are, the better we are! The yearly grant program accepts applications from December through January, with selections and disbursements being made in the spring (see timeline below for exact dates).

4 info sessions were held leading up to the grant request period.

1) Watch a recording of the General Info Meeting
2) Watch a recording of the Destination Enhancement Grant Info Meeting
3) Watch a recording of the Marketing Grant Info Meeting
4) Watch a recording of the Event Grant Info Meeting

Grants are awarded in 3 categories: Marketing Grants, to promote your business or event; Event Grants, to support the operations budget of the event; and Destination Enhancement Grants, which includes building new or improving existing assets.

The HCTDA is empowered to award grant funding through state tax legislation using occupancy tax collection monies, and decisions on grant recipients are made by a Grants Committee that is comprised of HCTDA Board members and representatives from the community.

Find out if your organization or project is eligible for funding at the links below. With additional questions, please contact the Asset & Event Development Coordinator, Amy Boswell.

Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator Workshop
Jan 18 @ 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
Take your business to the next level!
A comprehensive business innovation program designed to assist for-profit, not-for-profit, and family-owned businesses to the next level of success.
This program begins January 18, 2023, and meets 8:30 am – 1 pm every other Wednesday for five months.
Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator is designed by entrepreneurs to help for-profit, family owned, and nonprofit businesses innovate and increase profitability. If you approach the business the same way as you did in the past, it will limit future profit growth.
Now is the time to innovate with cutting edge best practices in business management, leadership, planning, branding, marketing, sales, accounting, purchasing, raising capital, information technology, human resources, time management, new business development, operations and distribution. The Program will help you identify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in each department of your company to track, monitor and accelerate the success of your business. Peter Drucker said, “you can’t manage what you don’t measure.”
Create Marketing Materials Using Canva
Jan 18 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
online w/ BRCC Small Business Center

Online: Zoom
No cost due to sponsor support


Would you like to have sharp and cleverly designed marketing pieces for your business? Good news, you don’t need experience in graphic design or even an investment in expensive software to do so. This session will show you how to use Canva, a free, web-based resource that will allow you to go from being a beginner to a master at graphics overnight! Learn how to create and publish professional and creative marketing designs that include brochures, flyers, social media graphics, logos, labels and more that would normally cost you a fortune. Turn your imagination into finished designs in minutes!

Speaker(s): TenBiz

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar information will be emailed after registration.

Business After Hours
Jan 18 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Dry Falls Brewery Co.
Your Chance to Build Great Connections – You Don’t Want to Miss This Event!
Business After Hours is the Chamber’s premier networking event and the best chance for your to make valuable connections to build your business – all while having a great time!
With fantastic food and beverages compliments of our host sponsor, and the chance to win great door prizes – and Networking Beast – this event is the best combination of business and fun!
There is no cost to attend but registration is required.
Thank you Asheville Regional Airport for being the Presenting Sponsor of Business After Hours in 2023!
Thanks to our January Host, Dry Falls Brewing Co!
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Henderson County Tourism Grant Program Now Open
Jan 19 all-day
online

 

The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) offers an annual grant program to benefit tourism-related businesses and non-profit organizations as a way to build Henderson County into an even stronger tourist destination — the better you are, the better we are! The yearly grant program accepts applications from December through January, with selections and disbursements being made in the spring (see timeline below for exact dates).

4 info sessions were held leading up to the grant request period.

1) Watch a recording of the General Info Meeting
2) Watch a recording of the Destination Enhancement Grant Info Meeting
3) Watch a recording of the Marketing Grant Info Meeting
4) Watch a recording of the Event Grant Info Meeting

Grants are awarded in 3 categories: Marketing Grants, to promote your business or event; Event Grants, to support the operations budget of the event; and Destination Enhancement Grants, which includes building new or improving existing assets.

The HCTDA is empowered to award grant funding through state tax legislation using occupancy tax collection monies, and decisions on grant recipients are made by a Grants Committee that is comprised of HCTDA Board members and representatives from the community.

Find out if your organization or project is eligible for funding at the links below. With additional questions, please contact the Asset & Event Development Coordinator, Amy Boswell.

Seeking local businesses to partner w/ Hendersonville Theatre
Jan 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

we are looking for local businesses to partner with to sponsor our upcoming theatre season, concert series, and special events! As a non-profit, local, community theatre, we are able to make events happen in our community through donations and sponsorship support. With your help, we can continue to provide quality live theatre, concerts, and more! Interested in becoming a season or show sponsor? We take donations at any level! For more information about sponsorship levels, visit the sponsorship page on our website here: SPONSORSHIPS – Hendersonville Theatre

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Flat Rock Book Club
Jan 19 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
The 2nd Act

Please join us at The 2nd Act in Hendersonville, NC for our first monthly book club meeting that strives to read books that create a closer knit and more inclusive community! We will meet virtually and in person monthly to discuss a book, so read the book and then join in the discussion in person or online every third Thursday. All are welcome! At the end of each meeting we will vote on the next book! The virtual club meeting will be in Zoom format and will meet 2.5 hours after the in-person meeting (8:00pm EST). After the meeting there is live acoustic music so stay and enjoy the vibe with your new friends! Put us down on your calendar for every third Third Thursday!

The first book is going to be called Disability Visibility.

Synopsis from the back cover: One in five people in the United States lives with a disability. Some disabilities are visible, others less apparent—but all are underrepresented in media and popular culture. Now, just in time for the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, activist Alice Wong brings together this urgent, galvanizing collection of contemporary essays by disabled people.

From Harriet McBryde Johnson’s account of her debate with Peter Singer over her own personhood to original pieces by authors like Keah Brown and Haben Girma; from blog posts, manifestos, and eulogies to Congressional testimonies, and beyond: this anthology gives a glimpse into the rich complexity of the disabled experience, highlighting the passions, talents, and everyday lives of this community. It invites readers to question their own understandings. It celebrates and documents disability culture in the now. It looks to the future and the past with hope and love. Preview:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51456746-disability-visibility
Message me for the Zoom link to the online meetup. Thanks!

Hybrid | Sandra E. Johnson presents The Resilience Journal: 365 Days to Balance and Peace of Mind
Jan 19 @ 6:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore and Virtual

This is a hybrid event, meaning there is an option to attend virtually and a limited number of seats are available to attend the event in-store. The event is free but registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance. 

Please click here to register for the VIRTUAL event. The link required to attend will be emailed to registrants prior to the event.

Please click here to register for the IN-PERSON event. Note the important event details on the RSVP form.

This event includes a book signing. If you would like a signed book but can’t attend in person, use the order comments field when you order below to request a signed copy and tell us to whom the book should be personalized.

If you decide to attend and to purchase books, we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you make it possible for us to continue hosting author events and you keep more dollars in our community. You may also support our work by purchasing a gift card or making a donation of any amount below. Thank you!


A beautiful guided journal with 365 days of thought-provoking quotes and prompts to help you reflect on the past, examine the present, and work towards a more resilient future.

Everyone yearns to become more resilient. We all experience setbacks and problems on an individual level, and the state of the world doesn’t provide overarching reassurance. But resilience is much more than the ability to bounce back from a single catastrophe. You need to work at it, to strengthen it as you would a muscle in your body.

The Resilience Journal starts you on this path with an initial self-assessment using fifteen statements such as “I cope well with change.” Then, through completing the wide range of daily interactive prompts and exercises, you will discover ways to not only cope with difficulties but grow stronger from them. At the end of the journal there’s another self-assessment quiz. Fill it out to see how much your self-knowledge, compassion, patience, and resilience has improved.

Sandra E. JohnsonLMSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who has been practicing for over thirty years. She is also an author, freelance editor, and conference speaker. She has taught meditation and other stress reduction techniques to individual patients, social workers, counselors, and therapists. She has written for the Washington Post and The State, South Carolina’s most widely read newspaper, for which she covered topics ranging from education reform to race relations. Johnson is the author of Standing on Holy Ground: A Triumph over Hate Crime in the Deep South; a novel, Flowers for the Living, which was nominated for a PEN/Faulkner Award; and The Mind-Body Peace Journal: 366 Mindful Prompts for Serenity and Clarity.

Friday, January 20, 2023
Henderson County Tourism Grant Program Now Open
Jan 20 all-day
online

 

The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) offers an annual grant program to benefit tourism-related businesses and non-profit organizations as a way to build Henderson County into an even stronger tourist destination — the better you are, the better we are! The yearly grant program accepts applications from December through January, with selections and disbursements being made in the spring (see timeline below for exact dates).

4 info sessions were held leading up to the grant request period.

1) Watch a recording of the General Info Meeting
2) Watch a recording of the Destination Enhancement Grant Info Meeting
3) Watch a recording of the Marketing Grant Info Meeting
4) Watch a recording of the Event Grant Info Meeting

Grants are awarded in 3 categories: Marketing Grants, to promote your business or event; Event Grants, to support the operations budget of the event; and Destination Enhancement Grants, which includes building new or improving existing assets.

The HCTDA is empowered to award grant funding through state tax legislation using occupancy tax collection monies, and decisions on grant recipients are made by a Grants Committee that is comprised of HCTDA Board members and representatives from the community.

Find out if your organization or project is eligible for funding at the links below. With additional questions, please contact the Asset & Event Development Coordinator, Amy Boswell.

Seeking local businesses to partner w/ Hendersonville Theatre
Jan 20 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

we are looking for local businesses to partner with to sponsor our upcoming theatre season, concert series, and special events! As a non-profit, local, community theatre, we are able to make events happen in our community through donations and sponsorship support. With your help, we can continue to provide quality live theatre, concerts, and more! Interested in becoming a season or show sponsor? We take donations at any level! For more information about sponsorship levels, visit the sponsorship page on our website here: SPONSORSHIPS – Hendersonville Theatre

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Saturday, January 21, 2023
Henderson County Tourism Grant Program Now Open
Jan 21 all-day
online

 

The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) offers an annual grant program to benefit tourism-related businesses and non-profit organizations as a way to build Henderson County into an even stronger tourist destination — the better you are, the better we are! The yearly grant program accepts applications from December through January, with selections and disbursements being made in the spring (see timeline below for exact dates).

4 info sessions were held leading up to the grant request period.

1) Watch a recording of the General Info Meeting
2) Watch a recording of the Destination Enhancement Grant Info Meeting
3) Watch a recording of the Marketing Grant Info Meeting
4) Watch a recording of the Event Grant Info Meeting

Grants are awarded in 3 categories: Marketing Grants, to promote your business or event; Event Grants, to support the operations budget of the event; and Destination Enhancement Grants, which includes building new or improving existing assets.

The HCTDA is empowered to award grant funding through state tax legislation using occupancy tax collection monies, and decisions on grant recipients are made by a Grants Committee that is comprised of HCTDA Board members and representatives from the community.

Find out if your organization or project is eligible for funding at the links below. With additional questions, please contact the Asset & Event Development Coordinator, Amy Boswell.

Land of the Sky 101 Book Club
Jan 21 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

Land of the Sky 101 is a community learning circle for those who are interested in an introduction to the history of Asheville, Buncombe County and Western North Carolina. A nine -part series of readings and discussions is modeled after the themes of the exhibit “An Incomplete History of Buncombe County” mounted in the BCSC reading room. From October 2022 through July 2023 (with a break in December) participants will explore the history of our region focusing on themes ranging from ancient history to the late 20th century revitalization of the Downtown area.

Read
Each month readers can choose from two selections; one light read like a novel, or groups of essays and poems, and one rigorous non-fiction read written by an expert on the subject. Pick one or both! The choice is yours!

Learn
Each session will be facilitated by a Buncombe County Special Collections librarian or special guest who will share their expert knowledge, additional resources, and set the context for the conversation.

Discuss
At least 45 minutes of each session will be set aside for group discussion. The learning circle is a place to get curious about your community and meet new friends. Come for the history, stay for the fellowship!
Click here to view a complete list of dates and titles.

Registration is limited and required. Sessions for the 2022-2023 cohort will be held at 10:30 am on the third Saturday of each month at Pack Memorial Library. Sessions run from October 2022 until July 2023. Your registration will reserve your place for all nine sessions, and we hope participants will plan to attend each meeting.  If you cannot attend a session, please let us know in advance so we may allow those on the waiting list to participate.

Sunday, January 22, 2023
Henderson County Tourism Grant Program Now Open
Jan 22 all-day
online

 

The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) offers an annual grant program to benefit tourism-related businesses and non-profit organizations as a way to build Henderson County into an even stronger tourist destination — the better you are, the better we are! The yearly grant program accepts applications from December through January, with selections and disbursements being made in the spring (see timeline below for exact dates).

4 info sessions were held leading up to the grant request period.

1) Watch a recording of the General Info Meeting
2) Watch a recording of the Destination Enhancement Grant Info Meeting
3) Watch a recording of the Marketing Grant Info Meeting
4) Watch a recording of the Event Grant Info Meeting

Grants are awarded in 3 categories: Marketing Grants, to promote your business or event; Event Grants, to support the operations budget of the event; and Destination Enhancement Grants, which includes building new or improving existing assets.

The HCTDA is empowered to award grant funding through state tax legislation using occupancy tax collection monies, and decisions on grant recipients are made by a Grants Committee that is comprised of HCTDA Board members and representatives from the community.

Find out if your organization or project is eligible for funding at the links below. With additional questions, please contact the Asset & Event Development Coordinator, Amy Boswell.

Hybrid | Culley Holderfield presents Hemlock Hollow in conversation with Dale Neal
Jan 22 @ 5:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore and Virtual

Culley Holderfield discusses his debut novel, Hemlock Hollow, with fellow North Carolina writer Dale Neal, author of Appalachian Book of the Dead.

This is a hybrid event, meaning there is an option to attend virtually and a limited number of seats are available to attend the event in-store. The event is free but registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance. 

Please click here to register for the VIRTUAL event. The link required to attend will be emailed to registrants prior to the event.

Please click here to register for the IN-PERSON event. Note the important event details on the RSVP form.

This event includes a book signing. If you would like a signed book but can’t attend in person, use the order comments field when you order below to request a signed copy and tell us to whom the book should be personalized.

If you decide to attend and to purchase books, we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you make it possible for us to continue hosting author events and you keep more dollars in our community. You may also support our work by purchasing a gift card or making a donation of any amount below. Thank you!


Hemlock Hollow
“Past and present, love and loss intertwine in a magical mountain hollow. Holderfield’s love of place shines in his sensitive descriptions while his storytelling enthralls the reader.” —Vicki Lane, author of And the Crows Took Their Eyes

Caroline McAlister, college professor and life-long skeptic, is reeling from the loss of her father and her marriage. Her once promising career has come to a standstill. When her father bequeaths the family cabin to her, it comes with a ghost who haunted her childhood. When she discovers a century-old journal in the attic, she awakens the voice of Carson Quinn. The journal reveals Carson’s love for the same hollow that enthralled Caroline growing up. A little sleuthing uncovers rumors that the kind, curious boy in the journal grew up to murder his brother. Caroline plunges into the project of exonerating Carson, only to find herself in the throes of a personal past she’s spent her life trying to avoid. Hemlock Hollow is about how we forever haunt the places we love and how they haunt us in return.

Culley Holderfield learned to love storytelling on the porch of a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill, he ventured to South America, Africa, and Europe. When not writing or working in community development finance, he spends his time hiking, paddling, and pondering in the outdoors. His short stories and poetry have appeared in a variety of publications. Hemlock Hollow is his debut novel. He lives in Durham, NC.

Dale Neal is the author of the novel Kings of Coweetsee, forthcoming from Regal House Publishing in 2024. His previous novels, Appalachian Book of the DeadThe Half-Life of Home, and Cow Across America, are each set in the storied Blue Ridge Mountains. His short fiction and essays have appeared in Arts & LettersCarolina QuarterlyMarlboro Review, and Crescent Review, among others. Previously, he was a prize-winning writer for the Asheville Citizen-Times. A graduate of the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College, he has been awarded fellowships to the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Hambidge Center, and the Knight Center for Specialized Journalism at the University of Maryland. He currently teaches fiction at the Lenoir-Rhyne University Graduate Center. A lifelong native of North Carolina, he now lives in Asheville.

Monday, January 23, 2023
PPP Loan Forgiveness: Nearly $16M in Loan Forgiveness Still Available for Buncombe Businesses
Jan 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

More than 400 local businesses could benefit from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness. According to reports from the Federal Government’s Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, Buncombe County businesses may be eligible for $15.8 million and your small business could receive full or partial loan forgiveness. “Small businesses were under huge stress from the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to face challenges with supply chain issues and inflation. PPP loan forgiveness represents an opportunity for small businesses to gain additional relief, keep their doors open and continue to provide high quality jobs in our community,” explains Intergovernmental Director Timothy Love.

Wondering if your business is eligible? It’s definitely worth taking a moment to find out. “The process and requirements are quick. In many cases, detailed documentation may not be required during the application process. Typical documents include bank statements, tax forms, and business costs,” says Love. “PPP loan forgiveness may not require any additional work with your lender and you can apply for direct forgiveness through the SBA portal.”

To apply or learn more, please see the below links (Please note: This program is administered by the federal government)

  • Apply here (Borrowers may submit a loan forgiveness application any time before the maturity date of the loan, which is either two or five years from loan origination.)
  • FAQs
Seeking local businesses to partner w/ Hendersonville Theatre
Jan 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

we are looking for local businesses to partner with to sponsor our upcoming theatre season, concert series, and special events! As a non-profit, local, community theatre, we are able to make events happen in our community through donations and sponsorship support. With your help, we can continue to provide quality live theatre, concerts, and more! Interested in becoming a season or show sponsor? We take donations at any level! For more information about sponsorship levels, visit the sponsorship page on our website here: SPONSORSHIPS – Hendersonville Theatre

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Tuesday, January 24, 2023
GROW Mills River Breakfast
Jan 24 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Mills River Brewery

Join us each month to stay updated on business in Mills River.
With updates from the Town of Mills River and networking with neighboring businesses, let’s work to GROW your business in Mills River.

January’s Presenter – Chief Rick Livingston with Mills River Fire and Rescue

Chief Rick Livingston is a native to WNC, a graduate of the Henderson County Public Schools and NC State University. He began his fire department days at the young age of 7, as his father was a founding member of the department! He has been with the Mills River Fire Department since 2013, becoming the first full time career Fire Chief. He welcomes any comments and suggestions at [email protected].

PPP Loan Forgiveness: Nearly $16M in Loan Forgiveness Still Available for Buncombe Businesses
Jan 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

More than 400 local businesses could benefit from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness. According to reports from the Federal Government’s Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, Buncombe County businesses may be eligible for $15.8 million and your small business could receive full or partial loan forgiveness. “Small businesses were under huge stress from the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to face challenges with supply chain issues and inflation. PPP loan forgiveness represents an opportunity for small businesses to gain additional relief, keep their doors open and continue to provide high quality jobs in our community,” explains Intergovernmental Director Timothy Love.

Wondering if your business is eligible? It’s definitely worth taking a moment to find out. “The process and requirements are quick. In many cases, detailed documentation may not be required during the application process. Typical documents include bank statements, tax forms, and business costs,” says Love. “PPP loan forgiveness may not require any additional work with your lender and you can apply for direct forgiveness through the SBA portal.”

To apply or learn more, please see the below links (Please note: This program is administered by the federal government)

  • Apply here (Borrowers may submit a loan forgiveness application any time before the maturity date of the loan, which is either two or five years from loan origination.)
  • FAQs
Seeking local businesses to partner w/ Hendersonville Theatre
Jan 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

we are looking for local businesses to partner with to sponsor our upcoming theatre season, concert series, and special events! As a non-profit, local, community theatre, we are able to make events happen in our community through donations and sponsorship support. With your help, we can continue to provide quality live theatre, concerts, and more! Interested in becoming a season or show sponsor? We take donations at any level! For more information about sponsorship levels, visit the sponsorship page on our website here: SPONSORSHIPS – Hendersonville Theatre

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Getting Started with eCommerce
Jan 24 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
online w/ BRCC Small Business Center

Online: Zoom
No cost due to sponsor support


Have you been thinking about building an online store to sell your physical or digital products? Building a Website that can handle Ecommerce, taking payments, calculating shipping and tax, and managing subscriptions is easier than you might think. In this class we’ll walk through the basics of Ecommerce as well as answer some more advanced questions pertaining to taking an online store to the next level. Don’t lock yourself to Etsy or Shopify and put up with their built-in fees. Build it yourself on WordPress and WooCommerce which has now become the leader in online Ecommerce platforms.

Speaker(s): Boomer Sassman

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar information will be emailed after registration.

Build Your Business with Instagram (2 of 2)
Jan 24 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
online w/ BRCC Small Business Center

Online: Zoom
No cost due to sponsor support


**(You do not need to have attended Part 1 to attend Part 2)** Instagram is one of the fastest growing and biggest trending social media for business these days. And it’s always evolving! Join us for this session as we continue our dive into Instagram. We will continue to touch on: – The difference between Instagram and Instagram for Business – Visual tour of Instagram for business – Best Practices for posting – Explore the different sub channels of Instagram In part 2 we will also: – Learn how to use video to maximize your Instagram presence – Explore using hashtags as a powerful and free way to grow visibility for your business – What is tagging a user or business? – Live Q&A

Speaker(s): Aaron Wesley Means

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar information will be emailed after registration.

Hybrid | Local Book Club Fair at Pack Memorial Library
Jan 24 @ 6:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library - Lord Auditorium

Interested in joining a book club (or two) in the new year? This evening is for you!

This program will feature short presentations from representatives from a dozen local book clubs and some time to chat. Find the book club that best fits your interests and schedule.

Attend in-person at Pack Library or participate in an online viewing! No registration is required for the in-person session. To sign up for the online session, click here to register to receive the live stream link.

Featuring representatives from:
Asheville Art Museum
Buncombe County Public Libraries
Buncombe County Special Collections
Firestorm Bookstore & Cafe
Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe
North Carolina Arboretum
Thomas Wolfe House
Wilma Dykeman Legacy
and more!

Wednesday, January 25, 2023
PPP Loan Forgiveness: Nearly $16M in Loan Forgiveness Still Available for Buncombe Businesses
Jan 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

More than 400 local businesses could benefit from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness. According to reports from the Federal Government’s Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, Buncombe County businesses may be eligible for $15.8 million and your small business could receive full or partial loan forgiveness. “Small businesses were under huge stress from the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to face challenges with supply chain issues and inflation. PPP loan forgiveness represents an opportunity for small businesses to gain additional relief, keep their doors open and continue to provide high quality jobs in our community,” explains Intergovernmental Director Timothy Love.

Wondering if your business is eligible? It’s definitely worth taking a moment to find out. “The process and requirements are quick. In many cases, detailed documentation may not be required during the application process. Typical documents include bank statements, tax forms, and business costs,” says Love. “PPP loan forgiveness may not require any additional work with your lender and you can apply for direct forgiveness through the SBA portal.”

To apply or learn more, please see the below links (Please note: This program is administered by the federal government)

  • Apply here (Borrowers may submit a loan forgiveness application any time before the maturity date of the loan, which is either two or five years from loan origination.)
  • FAQs
Seeking local businesses to partner w/ Hendersonville Theatre
Jan 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

we are looking for local businesses to partner with to sponsor our upcoming theatre season, concert series, and special events! As a non-profit, local, community theatre, we are able to make events happen in our community through donations and sponsorship support. With your help, we can continue to provide quality live theatre, concerts, and more! Interested in becoming a season or show sponsor? We take donations at any level! For more information about sponsorship levels, visit the sponsorship page on our website here: SPONSORSHIPS – Hendersonville Theatre

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A Deeper Dive Into Canva
Jan 25 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
online w/ BRCC Small Business Center

Online: Zoom
No cost due to sponsor support


If you’re obsessed with Canva, you’re not alone! This session is for the small business owner who has started using Canva, but wants a deeper dive to learn more fun tools you can use to promote your business. In this workshop you will learn advanced techniques on the Canva platform, including creating designs from scratch, uploading your own graphics, Canva Pro features, presentations and much more.

Speaker(s): TenBiz

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Webinar information will be emailed after registration.