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.

Wednesday, January 18, 2023
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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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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Tuckasegee River Excursion
Jan 20 @ 11:00 am
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

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.

Tuckasegee River Excursion
Jan 21 @ 11:00 am
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

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.

Monday, January 23, 2023
Register open for Cuba Agroecology w/ Organic Grower School
Jan 23 all-day
online
Cuba product logo

Register for our Cuba Agroecology Tour!
April 4-13, 2023

Want to learn from farmers and food activists about Cuba’s transition to agroecological farming practices and its national policies that prioritize sustainable farming and hunger remediation?

This is your opportunity to join our 9-day tour of Cuba’s sustainable farms! On our tour, we visit with farmers, NGOs, policymakers, and experts to learn about the history of Cuba, their transition to organic agriculture, and ongoing initiatives to support farmers and expand agroecological practices.

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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Bright Star AUDITIONS
Jan 23 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre-- 35below

Bright Star Music, Book, & Story by Steve Martin; Music, Lyrics, & Story by Edie Brickell

Directed by: Mark Jones

DIRECTOR SEEKS: A large cast ages 20s-60s. All races and ethnicities are encouraged to audition.

-Please sign up for an audition time slot on this Audition Form. (Walk-ups are welcome but will be asked to fill out the audition form on-site and will need to wait until the next available time slot.)

AUDITION MATERIAL: Prepare 90 seconds of a song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided. Please note that sheet music is required. Bring or wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you may be taught a short dance combination. You may be asked to read from the script (see website for sides).

Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Register open for Cuba Agroecology w/ Organic Grower School
Jan 24 all-day
online
Cuba product logo

Register for our Cuba Agroecology Tour!
April 4-13, 2023

Want to learn from farmers and food activists about Cuba’s transition to agroecological farming practices and its national policies that prioritize sustainable farming and hunger remediation?

This is your opportunity to join our 9-day tour of Cuba’s sustainable farms! On our tour, we visit with farmers, NGOs, policymakers, and experts to learn about the history of Cuba, their transition to organic agriculture, and ongoing initiatives to support farmers and expand agroecological practices.

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.

Bright Star AUDITIONS
Jan 24 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre-- 35below

Bright Star Music, Book, & Story by Steve Martin; Music, Lyrics, & Story by Edie Brickell

Directed by: Mark Jones

DIRECTOR SEEKS: A large cast ages 20s-60s. All races and ethnicities are encouraged to audition.

-Please sign up for an audition time slot on this Audition Form. (Walk-ups are welcome but will be asked to fill out the audition form on-site and will need to wait until the next available time slot.)

AUDITION MATERIAL: Prepare 90 seconds of a song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided. Please note that sheet music is required. Bring or wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you may be taught a short dance combination. You may be asked to read from the script (see website for sides).

Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Register open for Cuba Agroecology w/ Organic Grower School
Jan 25 all-day
online
Cuba product logo

Register for our Cuba Agroecology Tour!
April 4-13, 2023

Want to learn from farmers and food activists about Cuba’s transition to agroecological farming practices and its national policies that prioritize sustainable farming and hunger remediation?

This is your opportunity to join our 9-day tour of Cuba’s sustainable farms! On our tour, we visit with farmers, NGOs, policymakers, and experts to learn about the history of Cuba, their transition to organic agriculture, and ongoing initiatives to support farmers and expand agroecological practices.

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.

Hendersonville Chamber 100th Annual Dinner + Awards
Jan 25 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Blue Ridge Community College
Join us in celebration of area businesses with an evening of fun, food, and community at the 100th Annual Chamber Dinner & Awards. Reservations will be accepted until Thursday, January 19th.
.
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Register open for Cuba Agroecology w/ Organic Grower School
Jan 26 all-day
online
Cuba product logo

Register for our Cuba Agroecology Tour!
April 4-13, 2023

Want to learn from farmers and food activists about Cuba’s transition to agroecological farming practices and its national policies that prioritize sustainable farming and hunger remediation?

This is your opportunity to join our 9-day tour of Cuba’s sustainable farms! On our tour, we visit with farmers, NGOs, policymakers, and experts to learn about the history of Cuba, their transition to organic agriculture, and ongoing initiatives to support farmers and expand agroecological practices.

PPP Loan Forgiveness: Nearly $16M in Loan Forgiveness Still Available for Buncombe Businesses
Jan 26 @ 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 26 @ 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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Workforce Forum for Small Business
Jan 26 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
online

Hello Small Business Owner, The Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, MAWDB, a department of Land of Sky Regional Council, was recently awarded a $904,080 Small Business Work-Based Learning Grant from the NC Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS). DWS has allocated ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to serve small and micro-businesses businesses with 25 or fewer employees with workforce development needs. The MAWDB will administer these funds for On-the-Job Training of new hires and incumbent worker training over a four-year period.
Should you have interest in learning more about how these funds can help your business staff and train, a forum will be held January 26, 2023 from 10 am – 12 noon. Please register at the QR code in the attached flyer. This forum will provide a general introduction with three other workforce board recipients followed by a break-out session with the MAWDB program workforce staff. If you are not able to attend the forum, please email Barbara Darby, [email protected], for information after January 1, 2023.