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.

Tuesday, March 30, 2021
8th Annual Business Plan Contest
Mar 30 all-day
Online w/ Henderson Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $7,000!
The 8th Annual Business Plan Contest is open to start-ups as well as existing businesses. You DO NOT have to be a Chamber member to participate. Electronic submissions are due to the Chamber by Monday, April 19, 2020. A panel of judges will select the winner and present the award at a reception hosted during Henderson County’s Small Business Week. The date for the celebration is still to be determined.
Analyzing how Recent Stimulus Affects your Operations
Mar 30 all-day
Online
CBIZ recently shared resources they created to help navigate specific takeaways of the federal relief. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 contains several provisions that may be of interest to both financial and operational strategies. It builds on past stimulus relief and offers targeted support for functions and businesses that have been particularly hard-hit by the repercussions of COVID-19.
The complied resources include :
Business Broadband Survey
Mar 30 all-day
Online w/ The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the City of Hendersonville to get feedback from the business community on current broadband uses and anticipated needs. Please take a moment to complete the three-question survey below.

Henderson County Chamber: Submissions for the 2021 Business Plan Contest
Mar 30 all-day
Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is presenting the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest and contest submissions are now being accepted. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $7,000!
Contest submissions are due by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 19. Submissions are reviewed and graded by the Small Business Committee of the Chamber. The winner will be announced and honored at the Small Business Awards Reception at Southern Appalachian Brewery. The final event date has not been determined at this time and is dependent on COVID restrictions but the tentative plan is to host the reception in May or June.
Submissions should include a cover page featuring the name of the business, name of the owner, and contact information, and information outlining the business idea, competitive advantage, market analysis, cash flow, timeline and action plans, and owner qualifications. Optional elements to include are vision and mission statements, table of contents, and legal structure information. Submissions will be graded on the required elements.
Please email your plan to Hoyle Adams at the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 • [email protected] (828) 692-1413
We’re Offering Free 1-Year Memberships to Downtown Businesses
Mar 30 all-day
Asheville Downtown Association

We know how difficult the Covid-19 pandemic has been on downtown businesses. This is a gesture of support we can offer to help businesses as they rebuild and recover.

Complimentary memberships will be available from March 1 – 31 and will be for one year.

Membership benefits include a business profile and the ability to add events and news on ashevilledowntown.org, advertising space in the ADA’s bi-weekly newsletter to 2,000+ subscribers, and cross promotion of members through ADA social media channels. A full list of membership benefits can be found here.

This offer is restricted to businesses in the downtown area, as defined by the Central Business District. Other restrictions may apply. Interested businesses can email [email protected] to determine eligibility.

We also extended memberships for our current members. To check to see if you’re a member, visit our online directory.

Nominations for the 14th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Now Open
Mar 30 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online/ Henderson Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and Pardee UNC Health Care, along with Morris Broadband and Judy Stroud – State Farm Insurance, are pleased to announce the 14th Annual ATHENA Award of Henderson County in memory of Vanessa, Y. Mintz. Nominations are now open for the 2021 ATHENA award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon, tentatively scheduled for May, to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.
ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops, and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. This program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce as a licensed ATHENA host organization.
Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on ATHENA leadership criteria. Those interested in nominating should plan to tell their compelling story as if to a stranger. The deadline for nomination is Friday, April 2 at 5:00 pm. For more information, contact the Chamber at 828-692-1413
Empower Hour
Mar 30 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Henderson Chamber of Commerce
ATHENA of Henderson County presents a unique and informal networking opportunity designed to inspire and connect women. Connection feels more important now than ever so we are proud to offer this virtual networking opportunity. Discussion will be lead by Past ATHENA Award Recipient, Barbara Morgan. Join us to get inspired and achieve your goals!
This networking will be hosted virtually via Zoom. There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Meeting access information will be sent via confirmation email.
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
8th Annual Business Plan Contest
Mar 31 all-day
Online w/ Henderson Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $7,000!
The 8th Annual Business Plan Contest is open to start-ups as well as existing businesses. You DO NOT have to be a Chamber member to participate. Electronic submissions are due to the Chamber by Monday, April 19, 2020. A panel of judges will select the winner and present the award at a reception hosted during Henderson County’s Small Business Week. The date for the celebration is still to be determined.
Analyzing how Recent Stimulus Affects your Operations
Mar 31 all-day
Online
CBIZ recently shared resources they created to help navigate specific takeaways of the federal relief. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 contains several provisions that may be of interest to both financial and operational strategies. It builds on past stimulus relief and offers targeted support for functions and businesses that have been particularly hard-hit by the repercussions of COVID-19.
The complied resources include :
Business Broadband Survey
Mar 31 all-day
Online w/ The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the City of Hendersonville to get feedback from the business community on current broadband uses and anticipated needs. Please take a moment to complete the three-question survey below.

Henderson County Chamber: Submissions for the 2021 Business Plan Contest
Mar 31 all-day
Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is presenting the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest and contest submissions are now being accepted. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $7,000!
Contest submissions are due by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 19. Submissions are reviewed and graded by the Small Business Committee of the Chamber. The winner will be announced and honored at the Small Business Awards Reception at Southern Appalachian Brewery. The final event date has not been determined at this time and is dependent on COVID restrictions but the tentative plan is to host the reception in May or June.
Submissions should include a cover page featuring the name of the business, name of the owner, and contact information, and information outlining the business idea, competitive advantage, market analysis, cash flow, timeline and action plans, and owner qualifications. Optional elements to include are vision and mission statements, table of contents, and legal structure information. Submissions will be graded on the required elements.
Please email your plan to Hoyle Adams at the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 • [email protected] (828) 692-1413
We’re Offering Free 1-Year Memberships to Downtown Businesses
Mar 31 all-day
Asheville Downtown Association

We know how difficult the Covid-19 pandemic has been on downtown businesses. This is a gesture of support we can offer to help businesses as they rebuild and recover.

Complimentary memberships will be available from March 1 – 31 and will be for one year.

Membership benefits include a business profile and the ability to add events and news on ashevilledowntown.org, advertising space in the ADA’s bi-weekly newsletter to 2,000+ subscribers, and cross promotion of members through ADA social media channels. A full list of membership benefits can be found here.

This offer is restricted to businesses in the downtown area, as defined by the Central Business District. Other restrictions may apply. Interested businesses can email [email protected] to determine eligibility.

We also extended memberships for our current members. To check to see if you’re a member, visit our online directory.

Nominations for the 14th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Now Open
Mar 31 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online/ Henderson Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and Pardee UNC Health Care, along with Morris Broadband and Judy Stroud – State Farm Insurance, are pleased to announce the 14th Annual ATHENA Award of Henderson County in memory of Vanessa, Y. Mintz. Nominations are now open for the 2021 ATHENA award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon, tentatively scheduled for May, to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.
ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops, and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. This program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce as a licensed ATHENA host organization.
Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on ATHENA leadership criteria. Those interested in nominating should plan to tell their compelling story as if to a stranger. The deadline for nomination is Friday, April 2 at 5:00 pm. For more information, contact the Chamber at 828-692-1413
The Power of Being Niche: Creating Growth While Narrowing Your Customer Base
Mar 31 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Online w/ Mountain BizWorks

The Power of Being Niche: Creating Growth While Narrowing Your Customer Base

Moderator: Sarah Benoit, Panelists: To be announced soon

Ever hear the saying “if you are marketing to everyone, you’re marketing to no one?” This is because most seasoned sales and marketing people know money is made when real relationships are strong. One of the ways you can build loyalty, repeat business, referrals, trust, and cash flow is to focus on a niche market. Niches don’t limit your business, they help you establish credibility in the marketplace. Over time you can expand to new niches that are the right fit for your products and services, and create long lasting growth. Want to learn more? Join us for this expert panel and learn from successful businesses that operate in a niche market. Come find out how to build your next growth strategy.

Thursday, April 1, 2021
8th Annual Business Plan Contest
Apr 1 all-day
Online w/ Henderson Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $7,000!
The 8th Annual Business Plan Contest is open to start-ups as well as existing businesses. You DO NOT have to be a Chamber member to participate. Electronic submissions are due to the Chamber by Monday, April 19, 2020. A panel of judges will select the winner and present the award at a reception hosted during Henderson County’s Small Business Week. The date for the celebration is still to be determined.
Analyzing how Recent Stimulus Affects your Operations
Apr 1 all-day
Online
CBIZ recently shared resources they created to help navigate specific takeaways of the federal relief. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 contains several provisions that may be of interest to both financial and operational strategies. It builds on past stimulus relief and offers targeted support for functions and businesses that have been particularly hard-hit by the repercussions of COVID-19.
The complied resources include :
Business Broadband Survey
Apr 1 all-day
Online w/ The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the City of Hendersonville to get feedback from the business community on current broadband uses and anticipated needs. Please take a moment to complete the three-question survey below.

Henderson County Chamber: Submissions for the 2021 Business Plan Contest
Apr 1 all-day
Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is presenting the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest and contest submissions are now being accepted. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $7,000!
Contest submissions are due by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 19. Submissions are reviewed and graded by the Small Business Committee of the Chamber. The winner will be announced and honored at the Small Business Awards Reception at Southern Appalachian Brewery. The final event date has not been determined at this time and is dependent on COVID restrictions but the tentative plan is to host the reception in May or June.
Submissions should include a cover page featuring the name of the business, name of the owner, and contact information, and information outlining the business idea, competitive advantage, market analysis, cash flow, timeline and action plans, and owner qualifications. Optional elements to include are vision and mission statements, table of contents, and legal structure information. Submissions will be graded on the required elements.
Please email your plan to Hoyle Adams at the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 • [email protected] (828) 692-1413
Professional Networking Group for Veterans
Apr 1 all-day
Online w/ Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
Professional Networking Group for Veterans
Based on member interest, we are exploring adding a new Professional Networking Group specifically for veterans. Our Professional Networking Groups are dedicated member professionals who gather weekly to develop relationships, learn about each member’s business, and share leads and business ideas. Only one representative per industry is permitted.

For this group, participants would be a business that is veteran-owned or someone in a management position attending who is a veteran.

If interested, please contact Member Development Specialist Jessica Kanupp at [email protected] for more information. 

Nominations for the 14th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Now Open
Apr 1 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online/ Henderson Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and Pardee UNC Health Care, along with Morris Broadband and Judy Stroud – State Farm Insurance, are pleased to announce the 14th Annual ATHENA Award of Henderson County in memory of Vanessa, Y. Mintz. Nominations are now open for the 2021 ATHENA award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon, tentatively scheduled for May, to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.
ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops, and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. This program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce as a licensed ATHENA host organization.
Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on ATHENA leadership criteria. Those interested in nominating should plan to tell their compelling story as if to a stranger. The deadline for nomination is Friday, April 2 at 5:00 pm. For more information, contact the Chamber at 828-692-1413
“Buncombe County Schools – From an Employment Perspective”
Apr 1 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Online w/ Goodwill

Asheville BAC Online Meeting - April 1

Buncombe County Schools is one of the largest employers in our community. In this meeting, we will be hearing from their Human Resources Department about how things have changed and how things are going.

 

We will start with some networking from 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. before the program begins at noon; please arrive early.

 

Generally, Goodwill provides lunch at these meetings. But under the current circumstances, this meeting will be a virtual potluck!

 

Things to do to prepare for the event:

  1. Support a local restaurant by getting take-out to bring to the event.
  2. When you join, we encourage you to join with video so we can see your smiling face.
  3. Bring any questions you may have for this amazing group of speakers.

 

Once you have registered, a link to the meeting will be sent to you.

Build Your Business with Facebook
Apr 1 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Online w/ Blue Ridge Community College

Facebook is the largest and most prolific social media channel out there with over 2 billion users. So, how to best leverage it for your business or nonprofit? In this session we will cover all the most important basics for 2020 and beyond:

  • How to position your brand on Facebook
  • Best practices for a successful Facebook business page
  • What type of content to post/share to get the most engagement
  • What type of content Facebook favors which increases your visibility
  • When to post, how often, and how to tag for more engagement
  • How to leverage Reviews
  • A quick starting look into boosting/paid ads
  • Live Q&A

This webinar may be converted into an in-person seminar, pursuant to state recommendations. Attendees will be notified by email if the class type is changed.


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 2, 2021
8th Annual Business Plan Contest
Apr 2 all-day
Online w/ Henderson Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $7,000!
The 8th Annual Business Plan Contest is open to start-ups as well as existing businesses. You DO NOT have to be a Chamber member to participate. Electronic submissions are due to the Chamber by Monday, April 19, 2020. A panel of judges will select the winner and present the award at a reception hosted during Henderson County’s Small Business Week. The date for the celebration is still to be determined.
Analyzing how Recent Stimulus Affects your Operations
Apr 2 all-day
Online
CBIZ recently shared resources they created to help navigate specific takeaways of the federal relief. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 contains several provisions that may be of interest to both financial and operational strategies. It builds on past stimulus relief and offers targeted support for functions and businesses that have been particularly hard-hit by the repercussions of COVID-19.
The complied resources include :
Business Broadband Survey
Apr 2 all-day
Online w/ The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the City of Hendersonville to get feedback from the business community on current broadband uses and anticipated needs. Please take a moment to complete the three-question survey below.

Governor Cooper Signs Three Executive Orders
Apr 2 all-day
North Carolina

Tuesday, Governor Roy Cooper signed three Executive Orders. Executive Order 206 extends North Carolina’s statewide residential eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s recent extension of the nationwide moratorium through the same date. Executive Order 207 expedites the processing of unemployment insurance claims and is also effective through June 30, 2021. Executive Order 205 extends the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABC Commission)’s authorization to permit the delivery or carry-out of mixed beverages as an alternative to on-site consumption through April 30, 2021.

Henderson County Chamber: Submissions for the 2021 Business Plan Contest
Apr 2 all-day
Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is presenting the 8th Annual Business Plan Contest and contest submissions are now being accepted. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well-prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $7,000!
Contest submissions are due by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 19. Submissions are reviewed and graded by the Small Business Committee of the Chamber. The winner will be announced and honored at the Small Business Awards Reception at Southern Appalachian Brewery. The final event date has not been determined at this time and is dependent on COVID restrictions but the tentative plan is to host the reception in May or June.
Submissions should include a cover page featuring the name of the business, name of the owner, and contact information, and information outlining the business idea, competitive advantage, market analysis, cash flow, timeline and action plans, and owner qualifications. Optional elements to include are vision and mission statements, table of contents, and legal structure information. Submissions will be graded on the required elements.
Please email your plan to Hoyle Adams at the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 • [email protected] (828) 692-1413
Professional Networking Group for Veterans
Apr 2 all-day
Online w/ Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
Professional Networking Group for Veterans
Based on member interest, we are exploring adding a new Professional Networking Group specifically for veterans. Our Professional Networking Groups are dedicated member professionals who gather weekly to develop relationships, learn about each member’s business, and share leads and business ideas. Only one representative per industry is permitted.

For this group, participants would be a business that is veteran-owned or someone in a management position attending who is a veteran.

If interested, please contact Member Development Specialist Jessica Kanupp at [email protected] for more information. 

WNC Arts Launches New Website + Creative Economies Data
Apr 2 all-day
Online w/ WNC Arts

The Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina (WNC Arts) was established in 1980s as a peer support group for arts councils and agencies in WNC. This group is now working to expand their advocacy support for the arts in WNC.

Nominations for the 14th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Now Open
Apr 2 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online/ Henderson Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and Pardee UNC Health Care, along with Morris Broadband and Judy Stroud – State Farm Insurance, are pleased to announce the 14th Annual ATHENA Award of Henderson County in memory of Vanessa, Y. Mintz. Nominations are now open for the 2021 ATHENA award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon, tentatively scheduled for May, to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.
ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops, and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. This program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce as a licensed ATHENA host organization.
Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on ATHENA leadership criteria. Those interested in nominating should plan to tell their compelling story as if to a stranger. The deadline for nomination is Friday, April 2 at 5:00 pm. For more information, contact the Chamber at 828-692-1413