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.

Thursday, April 28, 2022
Market Your Business with YouTube (Part 1 of 2)
Apr 28 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
online w/ BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

No cost due to sponsor support

Video is the king and queen of the Internet and gets the most engagement out of any content format anywhere! Youtube is the most powerful, prolific, and widely used social video platform there is. In this session we will begin to cover:

  • How to create a channel for your business
  • How to upload a video and display it on Youtube as well as other locations online
  • Building a following of “Youtube Subscribers”
  • Live Q&A

And we will continue deeper in Part 2 as we talk about:

  • Going LIVE on Youtube
  • Best practices for quality, length, and style of video
  • Syndicating video to other channels – sharing your link vs. uploading native files
  • Live Q&A

Speaker(s): Aaron Wesley Means

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

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Market Your Business with YouTube (Part 1 of 2)
Apr 28 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
online

No cost due to sponsor support

Video is the king and queen of the Internet and gets the most engagement out of any content format anywhere! Youtube is the most powerful, prolific, and widely used social video platform there is. In this session we will begin to cover:

  • How to create a channel for your business
  • How to upload a video and display it on Youtube as well as other locations online
  • Building a following of “Youtube Subscribers”
  • Live Q&A

And we will continue deeper in Part 2 as we talk about:

  • Going LIVE on Youtube
  • Best practices for quality, length, and style of video
  • Syndicating video to other channels – sharing your link vs. uploading native files
  • Live Q&A

Speaker(s): Aaron Wesley Means

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

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Friday, April 29, 2022
Buncombe County Organizations: Apply For Free Hotspots and Service
Apr 29 all-day
online w/ US Cellular

Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

ASAP- Call for Apps FINAL

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.

We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity

To apply, click here.

If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.

State of Our Workforce: Western North Carolina Survey from Land of Sky Regional Council
Apr 29 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
online survey
This survey is being sent to organizations in 10 counties in western North Carolina. It is being supported by the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, the Land of Sky P-20 Council, the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, and over 90 regional partners.
Please respond based on your experience at your current facility – there are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to understand skills and hiring needs faced by your organization to better inform local leaders and create a strong pipeline of workers for the region.
All responses will be confidential and anonymous. You and your organization’s name and identifying information will not be shared.
Participants who complete the survey can choose to be entered to win gifts and experiences from WNC makers and businesses including Kimpton Hotel ArrasBiltmore EstateNavitat Canopy AdventuresHot Springs Resort and SpaEast ForkHighland Brewing, and Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn.
The survey is being conducted by RTI International, a North Carolina-based independent non-profit research institute, and is funded by Land of Sky Regional Council in cooperation with economic development, industry, and workforce partners across the region.
For question about completing the survey, please email Michael Hogan, the research director at [email protected]. If you have questions about your role or rights as a research participant, you can call RTI’s office of research protection at 919.316.3358 or 1.866.214.2043.
Ribbon Cutting: Smart Start Partnership for Children’s Story Trail
Apr 29 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children's Story Trail
Join us in celebration of the FIRST EVER permanent Story Trail fixture in Henderson County, a collaborative community project with Smart Start Partnership for Children, Fletcher Parks and Recreation, Community Foundation of Henderson County, Henderson County Public Libraries, Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, and the Fletcher Area Business Association.
This Story Trail was made possible by the generosity of the Community Foundation of Henderson County’s Fletcher Community Fund.
A Story Trail is an engaging fun activity that takes the pages of a children’s story book and places them along a path or trail for the community and families to enjoy. Books and educational activities will be provided by the Henderson County Public Libraries.
Smart Start Partnership for Children will also be handing out free books to all children and families who attend.
Vision Henderson County Through the Years: 25th Anniversary Celebration
Apr 29 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Cascades Mountain Resort

Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Vision Henderson County program with an adult prom. Wear your best and come ready to party as we celebrate the legacy this program is building in Henderson County.

Saturday, April 30, 2022
Buncombe County Organizations: Apply For Free Hotspots and Service
Apr 30 all-day
online w/ US Cellular

Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

ASAP- Call for Apps FINAL

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.

We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity

To apply, click here.

If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.

Grants Available for Resource Recycling Conference
Apr 30 all-day
online w/ The Recycling Partnership

Recycling Partnership Provides Registration & Travel Funding

The Recycling Partnership, in association with Resource Recycling, Inc,. is excited to announce applications are live for the 2022 Steve Thompson Memorial Grant Program.

For the first time since 2019, the Resource Recycling Conference will be in-person in Austin, TX from August 15-17, 2022. The grant program provides the opportunity to apply to have conference registration, a two-night hotel stay, and travel reimbursement up to $650 covered for the winners.

Applications are being accepted until the end of the day on Friday, May 6, 2022. We hope to see you in Austin!

Multifamily Recycling Grant Program
Apr 30 all-day
online w/ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
 

NC DEACS Accepting Applications Now!

Last month DEACS launched a Multifamily Recycling Grant to support recycling at multifamily properties in North Carolina. Local governments, recycling businesses, and property management companies are all eligible to apply for funding. Grant funding can be used to purchase equipment and site developments to establish or expand recycling access for multifamily units. The maximum award is $250,000.

  • Multifamily Recycling Grant Program – OPEN
    This special grant program offers funding to initiate or expand multifamily recycling programs within the state. Eligible applicants include local governments, recycling businesses or non-profits, multifamily property owners, or multifamily property management companies. Grant funds may be used to purchase typical equipment needs to start or expand the collection of traditional household recyclables (paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass and plastic bottles and containers) from multifamily residences. Examples of eligible purchases include carts, dumpsters, collection vehicles, concrete pads, recycling corrals and education. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with no due date. Approved grant applications will be funded in the order in which they are received until funding is exhausted.

    Download the Multifamily Recycling Grant request for proposals (RFP) by selecting one of the following links (PDF or Word). Please submit completed applications to Tara Nattress at [email protected].

Homegrown Dreams Workshop
Apr 30 @ 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Creekside Farms

Have you been dreaming about a more sustainable future? Cultivate a deeper connection with your community, place, and self with the Organic Growers School one-day workshop: Homegrown Dreams, Visioning for a Land-Based Life.

Homegrown Dreams is an entry-level workshop designed to help you start planning out and acting on your dreams to become more self-sufficient and live off of your land, no matter the scale.

When we form these reciprocal relationships with the land, we better understand the importance of regenerative practices.

Enhance your confidence, skill, and excitement to create the lifestyle you imagine.
Uncover your personal values, skills, and resources
Chart a path to move forward over the next 1 to 5 years in your homestead plans.

Date: Saturday, April 30, 2022; 10am – 4:30 pm

Location: Creekside Farm
339 Avery Creek Rd, Arden, NC 28704

https://organicgrowersschool.org/product/2022-homegrown-dreams-in-person/

Sunday, May 1, 2022
Buncombe County Organizations: Apply For Free Hotspots and Service
May 1 all-day
online w/ US Cellular

Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

ASAP- Call for Apps FINAL

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.

We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity

To apply, click here.

If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.

Grants Available for Resource Recycling Conference
May 1 all-day
online w/ The Recycling Partnership

Recycling Partnership Provides Registration & Travel Funding

The Recycling Partnership, in association with Resource Recycling, Inc,. is excited to announce applications are live for the 2022 Steve Thompson Memorial Grant Program.

For the first time since 2019, the Resource Recycling Conference will be in-person in Austin, TX from August 15-17, 2022. The grant program provides the opportunity to apply to have conference registration, a two-night hotel stay, and travel reimbursement up to $650 covered for the winners.

Applications are being accepted until the end of the day on Friday, May 6, 2022. We hope to see you in Austin!

The Grey Eagle Classic Golf Tournament
May 1 @ 2:00 pm
The Omni Grove Park Inn Golf Course

The Grey Eagle Classic Golf Tournament

Grab your golf clubs and the best players you can find for The Grey Eagle Classic Golf Tournament. This tournament welcomes local businesses, community partners, and supporters of the music and arts for a day full of golf, games, food, drinks, and lots of fun! Your participation and proceeds will directly support Asheville Music School.

Monday, May 2, 2022
Buncombe County Organizations: Apply For Free Hotspots and Service
May 2 all-day
online w/ US Cellular

Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

ASAP- Call for Apps FINAL

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.

We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity

To apply, click here.

If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.

Grants Available for Resource Recycling Conference
May 2 all-day
online w/ The Recycling Partnership

Recycling Partnership Provides Registration & Travel Funding

The Recycling Partnership, in association with Resource Recycling, Inc,. is excited to announce applications are live for the 2022 Steve Thompson Memorial Grant Program.

For the first time since 2019, the Resource Recycling Conference will be in-person in Austin, TX from August 15-17, 2022. The grant program provides the opportunity to apply to have conference registration, a two-night hotel stay, and travel reimbursement up to $650 covered for the winners.

Applications are being accepted until the end of the day on Friday, May 6, 2022. We hope to see you in Austin!

Multifamily Recycling Grant Program
May 2 all-day
online w/ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
 

NC DEACS Accepting Applications Now!

Last month DEACS launched a Multifamily Recycling Grant to support recycling at multifamily properties in North Carolina. Local governments, recycling businesses, and property management companies are all eligible to apply for funding. Grant funding can be used to purchase equipment and site developments to establish or expand recycling access for multifamily units. The maximum award is $250,000.

  • Multifamily Recycling Grant Program – OPEN
    This special grant program offers funding to initiate or expand multifamily recycling programs within the state. Eligible applicants include local governments, recycling businesses or non-profits, multifamily property owners, or multifamily property management companies. Grant funds may be used to purchase typical equipment needs to start or expand the collection of traditional household recyclables (paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass and plastic bottles and containers) from multifamily residences. Examples of eligible purchases include carts, dumpsters, collection vehicles, concrete pads, recycling corrals and education. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with no due date. Approved grant applications will be funded in the order in which they are received until funding is exhausted.

    Download the Multifamily Recycling Grant request for proposals (RFP) by selecting one of the following links (PDF or Word). Please submit completed applications to Tara Nattress at [email protected].

State of Our Workforce: Western North Carolina Survey from Land of Sky Regional Council
May 2 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
online survey
This survey is being sent to organizations in 10 counties in western North Carolina. It is being supported by the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, the Land of Sky P-20 Council, the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, and over 90 regional partners.
Please respond based on your experience at your current facility – there are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to understand skills and hiring needs faced by your organization to better inform local leaders and create a strong pipeline of workers for the region.
All responses will be confidential and anonymous. You and your organization’s name and identifying information will not be shared.
Participants who complete the survey can choose to be entered to win gifts and experiences from WNC makers and businesses including Kimpton Hotel ArrasBiltmore EstateNavitat Canopy AdventuresHot Springs Resort and SpaEast ForkHighland Brewing, and Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn.
The survey is being conducted by RTI International, a North Carolina-based independent non-profit research institute, and is funded by Land of Sky Regional Council in cooperation with economic development, industry, and workforce partners across the region.
For question about completing the survey, please email Michael Hogan, the research director at [email protected]. If you have questions about your role or rights as a research participant, you can call RTI’s office of research protection at 919.316.3358 or 1.866.214.2043.
Blue Ridge Growth, Rising Star and Business Plan Contest Reception
May 2 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Southern Appalachian Brewery

The Blue Ridge Business Growth Awards (companies in business over 3 years) and Rising Star Awards (companies in business less than 3 years) will be presented to Chamber member businesses that experienced growth in 2021 through quality management, inventiveness, old fashioned hard work and courage. Companies can be recognized for employment growth, revenue growth, or a combination.

Blue Ridge Business Growth Award:  Businesses will be awarded either a Blue Ridge Growth Award or Honorable Mention Commendation.
Blue Ridge Business Growth Award Application

Rising Star Award:  (in business less than 3 years)  Business will be awarded either a Rising Star Award or Honorable Mention Commendation.
Rising Star Award Application

We will also announce the winner of our Business Plan Competition and that organization will receive about $8,100 in business services donated by local businesses.

This is a wonderful reception to celebrate business success in Henderson County!

Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Buncombe County Organizations: Apply For Free Hotspots and Service
May 3 all-day
online w/ US Cellular

Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

ASAP- Call for Apps FINAL

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.

We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity

To apply, click here.

If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.

Grants Available for Resource Recycling Conference
May 3 all-day
online w/ The Recycling Partnership

Recycling Partnership Provides Registration & Travel Funding

The Recycling Partnership, in association with Resource Recycling, Inc,. is excited to announce applications are live for the 2022 Steve Thompson Memorial Grant Program.

For the first time since 2019, the Resource Recycling Conference will be in-person in Austin, TX from August 15-17, 2022. The grant program provides the opportunity to apply to have conference registration, a two-night hotel stay, and travel reimbursement up to $650 covered for the winners.

Applications are being accepted until the end of the day on Friday, May 6, 2022. We hope to see you in Austin!

Multifamily Recycling Grant Program
May 3 all-day
online w/ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
 

NC DEACS Accepting Applications Now!

Last month DEACS launched a Multifamily Recycling Grant to support recycling at multifamily properties in North Carolina. Local governments, recycling businesses, and property management companies are all eligible to apply for funding. Grant funding can be used to purchase equipment and site developments to establish or expand recycling access for multifamily units. The maximum award is $250,000.

  • Multifamily Recycling Grant Program – OPEN
    This special grant program offers funding to initiate or expand multifamily recycling programs within the state. Eligible applicants include local governments, recycling businesses or non-profits, multifamily property owners, or multifamily property management companies. Grant funds may be used to purchase typical equipment needs to start or expand the collection of traditional household recyclables (paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass and plastic bottles and containers) from multifamily residences. Examples of eligible purchases include carts, dumpsters, collection vehicles, concrete pads, recycling corrals and education. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with no due date. Approved grant applications will be funded in the order in which they are received until funding is exhausted.

    Download the Multifamily Recycling Grant request for proposals (RFP) by selecting one of the following links (PDF or Word). Please submit completed applications to Tara Nattress at [email protected].

Nominations accepted for the Blue Ridge Business Growth + Rising Star Awards
May 3 all-day
online

The Blue Ridge Business Growth Awards (companies in business over 3 years) and Rising Star Awards (companies in business less than 3 years) will be presented to Chamber member businesses that experienced growth in 2020 through quality management, inventiveness, old fashioned hard work and courage. Companies can be recognized for employment growth, revenue growth, or a combination.
Download a nomination form today. Deadline is August 19th
State of Our Workforce: Western North Carolina Survey from Land of Sky Regional Council
May 3 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
online survey
This survey is being sent to organizations in 10 counties in western North Carolina. It is being supported by the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, the Land of Sky P-20 Council, the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, and over 90 regional partners.
Please respond based on your experience at your current facility – there are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to understand skills and hiring needs faced by your organization to better inform local leaders and create a strong pipeline of workers for the region.
All responses will be confidential and anonymous. You and your organization’s name and identifying information will not be shared.
Participants who complete the survey can choose to be entered to win gifts and experiences from WNC makers and businesses including Kimpton Hotel ArrasBiltmore EstateNavitat Canopy AdventuresHot Springs Resort and SpaEast ForkHighland Brewing, and Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn.
The survey is being conducted by RTI International, a North Carolina-based independent non-profit research institute, and is funded by Land of Sky Regional Council in cooperation with economic development, industry, and workforce partners across the region.
For question about completing the survey, please email Michael Hogan, the research director at [email protected]. If you have questions about your role or rights as a research participant, you can call RTI’s office of research protection at 919.316.3358 or 1.866.214.2043.
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
  AmeriCorps Sustainability Coordinator Position Open
May 4 all-day
online w/ GreenWorks

Applications are open now for a Sustainability Coordinator, an 11-month AmeriCorps position running September 1, 2022 – July 31, 2023.

 

This AmeriCorps member will take a leadership role in all our waste reduction programs and education efforts.

 

The Sustainability Coordinator will raise public awareness about conserving our natural resources, and lead education programs about waste reduction, recycling, and composting in organizations, and at community gatherings and schools.

 

Know a leader who cares deeply about reducing our waste? Applications due May 9.

Buncombe County Organizations: Apply For Free Hotspots and Service
May 4 all-day
online w/ US Cellular

Buncombe County Organizations Can Apply For Free Hotspots and Service As Part of $13 Million Dollar Pledge From UScellular

ASAP- Call for Apps FINAL

Access to reliable internet connectivity causes a divide between Asheville area youth who have access and those who do not. Millions of children nationwide and many right here in our area rely on public Wi-Fi to study when away from school. We are thrilled to announce that UScellular is providing $13 million dollars in free mobile hotspots and service to bridge this issue knows as the “homework gap”.

We encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing. Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

– Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
– Operate within UScellular’s service area
– Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
– Not a school or government entity

To apply, click here.

If you’re not currently set up as an applicant on Grants Connect, you will need to set up an applicant profile first. Once you’ve set up your profile, click the above link or refresh your page to be taken to the After School Access Project landing page. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Students across Western North Carolina deserve the tools and resources they need to succeed. Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home. Now more organizations have the opportunity to apply.

Grants Available for Resource Recycling Conference
May 4 all-day
online w/ The Recycling Partnership

Recycling Partnership Provides Registration & Travel Funding

The Recycling Partnership, in association with Resource Recycling, Inc,. is excited to announce applications are live for the 2022 Steve Thompson Memorial Grant Program.

For the first time since 2019, the Resource Recycling Conference will be in-person in Austin, TX from August 15-17, 2022. The grant program provides the opportunity to apply to have conference registration, a two-night hotel stay, and travel reimbursement up to $650 covered for the winners.

Applications are being accepted until the end of the day on Friday, May 6, 2022. We hope to see you in Austin!

Multifamily Recycling Grant Program
May 4 all-day
online w/ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
 

NC DEACS Accepting Applications Now!

Last month DEACS launched a Multifamily Recycling Grant to support recycling at multifamily properties in North Carolina. Local governments, recycling businesses, and property management companies are all eligible to apply for funding. Grant funding can be used to purchase equipment and site developments to establish or expand recycling access for multifamily units. The maximum award is $250,000.

  • Multifamily Recycling Grant Program – OPEN
    This special grant program offers funding to initiate or expand multifamily recycling programs within the state. Eligible applicants include local governments, recycling businesses or non-profits, multifamily property owners, or multifamily property management companies. Grant funds may be used to purchase typical equipment needs to start or expand the collection of traditional household recyclables (paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass and plastic bottles and containers) from multifamily residences. Examples of eligible purchases include carts, dumpsters, collection vehicles, concrete pads, recycling corrals and education. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with no due date. Approved grant applications will be funded in the order in which they are received until funding is exhausted.

    Download the Multifamily Recycling Grant request for proposals (RFP) by selecting one of the following links (PDF or Word). Please submit completed applications to Tara Nattress at [email protected].

Nominations accepted for the Blue Ridge Business Growth + Rising Star Awards
May 4 all-day
online

The Blue Ridge Business Growth Awards (companies in business over 3 years) and Rising Star Awards (companies in business less than 3 years) will be presented to Chamber member businesses that experienced growth in 2020 through quality management, inventiveness, old fashioned hard work and courage. Companies can be recognized for employment growth, revenue growth, or a combination.
Download a nomination form today. Deadline is August 19th
Entrepreneurship Breakfast ”Celebrating Small Business in Henderson County”
May 4 @ 7:30 am
Cascades Mountain Resort
In celebration of Small Business Week, join the Chamber
for an inspiring program featuring three area entrepreneurs.
Hear about how and why they decided to take the risk
and grow an idea into successful business.
Learn about the challenges, opportunities, set backs and community
involvement that have propelled them to their current successes.
Featuring:
Randy Hunter
First Job: Tobacco Picker
Current: Chairman, Hunter Automotive Group
Judy Stroud
First Job: Janitor at Church
Current: Owner/Agent, State Farm Insurance – Judy Stroud
Mark Trexler
First Job: Camp Staff
Current: GM/Owner, Survival Innovation, LLC
State of Our Workforce: Western North Carolina Survey from Land of Sky Regional Council
May 4 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
online survey
This survey is being sent to organizations in 10 counties in western North Carolina. It is being supported by the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, the Land of Sky P-20 Council, the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, and over 90 regional partners.
Please respond based on your experience at your current facility – there are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to understand skills and hiring needs faced by your organization to better inform local leaders and create a strong pipeline of workers for the region.
All responses will be confidential and anonymous. You and your organization’s name and identifying information will not be shared.
Participants who complete the survey can choose to be entered to win gifts and experiences from WNC makers and businesses including Kimpton Hotel ArrasBiltmore EstateNavitat Canopy AdventuresHot Springs Resort and SpaEast ForkHighland Brewing, and Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn.
The survey is being conducted by RTI International, a North Carolina-based independent non-profit research institute, and is funded by Land of Sky Regional Council in cooperation with economic development, industry, and workforce partners across the region.
For question about completing the survey, please email Michael Hogan, the research director at [email protected]. If you have questions about your role or rights as a research participant, you can call RTI’s office of research protection at 919.316.3358 or 1.866.214.2043.