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, September 29, 2021
Artist Support Grants Now Available
Sep 29 all-day
online

Emerging and established artists in NC can apply for $500-2,000 in aid

The North Carolina Arts Council understands the important role artists contribute to the vitality, unity and resiliency of our communities. NCAC has established the North Carolina Arts Council Artist Support Grant (ASG) as a regional grant program to support individual artists during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. The program funds professional and artistic development for emerging or established artists to create work, improve their business operations, or bring their work to new audiences.

Funds are granted through 18 regional partners across the state, to ensure a more equitable disbursement of funds to artists in rural and urban areas across the state. Buncombe County is part of Region 17, which includes Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania counties.

Last year, Region 17 received 126 applications and awarded 32 awards totaling $30,088– supporting artists from a variety of different mediums.

This year, applicants have the opportunity to apply for up to $2,000– double what was offered last year. Applicants will also apply directly through the NCAC website to help simplify the application process. Instructions and a virtual application workshop video are available on the AAAC website.

The deadline to apply is September 30.

Asheville Area Arts Council JOB BOARD
Sep 29 all-day
online

Job Board

Make sure to check out all the great job postings and arts opportunities listed on the arts council’s website.

Do you have a job opening you would like us to share? Please email us a link to your listing at [email protected].

Center for Craft Craft Research Fund
Sep 29 all-day
online

Center for Craft Craft Research Fund

Apply for the 2022 Craft Research Fund Artist Fellowship, Exhibition Grant, or Project Grant with the Center for Craft. Applications are due October 4, 2021

Festivals + Cultural Events Grant Opportunity
Sep 29 all-day
Online

Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.

The primary purposes of this fund are to:

  • Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
  • Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
  • Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.

Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.

New Benefits for Arts Businesses!
Sep 29 all-day
online

Add your arts business and upcoming events to the Asheville Area Arts Council website by becoming an Arts Business Member! Benefits include:

  • Login access to the arts council’s website to edit your directory listing and add events (new perk!)
  • Submit jobs and calls for artists to be shared on AAAC’s website
  • Ability for you and your staff to serve on the Arts Coalition
  • Discounted rates for you and your staff on tickets to the Creative Sector Summit (happening Nov. 2021)
  • Option to add something to the Creative Sector Summit swag bag
  • Local arts sector representation & advocacy
  • And so much more!
YMI Cultural Center Business Incubation
Sep 29 all-day
online

_MG_0157_edited.jpg

YMICC is committed to economic development and entrepreneurship for Black individuals and communities. Through this program entrepreneurs will receive six (6) months to one (1) year of business incubation support that will include business development training, startup and capacity building funding, as well as, mentorship opportunities. We are interested in you and your business ideas.

YMI Cultural Center Workforce Development Program
Sep 29 all-day
online

The “HMMM” (Hospitality, Medical, Manufacturing, Municipality) workforce training initiative and business development program is designed to support participants with training to build technical and workforce skills. The expansion of this program is “Operation Gateway” which provides a “circle of support” that addresses barriers to successful employment.  In this program participants will receive wraparound services along their pathway to the workplace. This circle of services includes childcare, transportation, financial support, guidance, and re-entry skill development (e.g., resume-building and interviewing).

City of Asheville Announces RFP Process for ARPA Funding
Sep 29 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

The City of Asheville will accept proposals from government agencies and nonprofits for community projects funded through the American Rescue Plan. At their September 14 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to fund projects in the following categories:

  • Affordable housing
  • Care for aging residents
  • City infrastructure
  • Climate change
  • Community communication
  • Domestic violence prevention and assistance
  • Food systems
  • Homelessness services
  • Small business recovery
  • Workforce development

Projects must serve City residents and fall under one of the categories above. For more information, including the timeline for the process

Start-up Assistance: Have a Business Idea and How to Start
Sep 29 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
online

No cost due to sponsor support

You have been thinking I want to start a business or you have a great idea and want to know how you can turn this great idea into a business. At this workshop we can get you started on your way the right way. Pull that napkin out of the drawer or open up your computer so we can help you bring your idea to life. But first since it’s a start-up it will all rely on you, your finances, skill set and time management. Find out how you are your business credit, what goes into a business plan, FREE resources that are here to help you on your journey every step of the way. We will cover credit, business plan, research and marketing. These are all of your first steps to see if this is what you want to do, but remember we are here to help you if you want to move forward!


Speaker(s): SBA

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

Webinar info will be emailed after registration

Craft Your Business workshop series: Pricing for Profit
Sep 29 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
online

with Veronica Edwards, Reggie Tidwell, and Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith

Have you always wanted to know what financials you should be looking at? Do you know if your prices are in line with the market? Are you charging enough for your creative products or services?

Come to this workshop to learn about some best financial practices for creative product and service based businesses. Hear from a financial expert and others in the field to learn if your gross profit margin is what it should be, how you can make more profit, and what should you be looking at when analyzing your finances.

Presenters Veronica Edwards, Reggie Tidwell, and Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith will jointly teach this workshop to offer a variety of perspectives on pricing in the creative industry.

The Pricing for Profit workshop is part of the Craft Your Commerce Workshop Series Beyond the Studio: Financials and Operations.

Small Business is Big Business Job Fair
Sep 29 @ 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall

A man and two women talk next to a sign for the Blue Ridge Community College Small Business Center

Short staffed? Seeking a new career? Check out the: Small Business is Big Business Job Fair
Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 2 – 7 p.m.
Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall
No cost to attend!

Foundations Business Planning Class
Sep 29 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
online

Our Foundations business planning class helps guide ideas from concept to reality in a participatory, supportive learning environment.

Join a cohort of aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to gain an aerial perspective of your vision and the comprehensive business skills necessary to help bring your visions into reality. Participants will gain a clear aerial perspective of their business operations, financials, research and development, and marketing strategies. They will leave the course with a comprehensive business plan, a clear vision for their business, and concrete tasks for future work.

Throughout the class, emphasis will be placed on developing the social capital of the group. Participants will be encouraged to gather feedback from their peers, creating a strong network of deep support and synergy. For more info, visit the Foundations Business Planning overview page.

 

Registration

Complete our online registration form to hold your seat in the class of your choice.  We will follow up with you within a few days. You are welcome to contact us with any follow-up questions or ask about the status of your request.

The course fee is $375; however, we offer a modest discount for virtual classes and needs-based scholarships are available (see below). If you are not applying for a scholarship, a minimum deposit of 50% of the total is due upon enrollment to reserve your seat and will be followed by an email confirmation of your placement within a few business days.  A pay link will be included in your email confirmation for submitting any remaining class balances.

Class Schedule

Some classes have a built-in make up class for holidays or inclement weather. Attendance for all classes is recommended to not fall behind in any of the material.  Week 1 is required, but if you have a scheduling conflict where you would miss any other classes, please let us know. Additional support may be available for any missed class material.

Thursday, September 30, 2021
Artist Support Grant
Sep 30 all-day
online

Artist Support Grant

Now accepting applications for the Artist Support Grant (formerly Regional Artist Support Grant). Artist Support Grants will be distributed to eligible applicants by Haywood County Arts Council in the following counties: Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania. Grants will range in awards from $500 to $2,000. The deadline is September 30.

Artist Support Grants Now Available
Sep 30 all-day
online

Emerging and established artists in NC can apply for $500-2,000 in aid

The North Carolina Arts Council understands the important role artists contribute to the vitality, unity and resiliency of our communities. NCAC has established the North Carolina Arts Council Artist Support Grant (ASG) as a regional grant program to support individual artists during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. The program funds professional and artistic development for emerging or established artists to create work, improve their business operations, or bring their work to new audiences.

Funds are granted through 18 regional partners across the state, to ensure a more equitable disbursement of funds to artists in rural and urban areas across the state. Buncombe County is part of Region 17, which includes Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania counties.

Last year, Region 17 received 126 applications and awarded 32 awards totaling $30,088– supporting artists from a variety of different mediums.

This year, applicants have the opportunity to apply for up to $2,000– double what was offered last year. Applicants will also apply directly through the NCAC website to help simplify the application process. Instructions and a virtual application workshop video are available on the AAAC website.

The deadline to apply is September 30.

Asheville Area Arts Council JOB BOARD
Sep 30 all-day
online

Job Board

Make sure to check out all the great job postings and arts opportunities listed on the arts council’s website.

Do you have a job opening you would like us to share? Please email us a link to your listing at [email protected].

Center for Craft Craft Research Fund
Sep 30 all-day
online

Center for Craft Craft Research Fund

Apply for the 2022 Craft Research Fund Artist Fellowship, Exhibition Grant, or Project Grant with the Center for Craft. Applications are due October 4, 2021

New Benefits for Arts Businesses!
Sep 30 all-day
online

Add your arts business and upcoming events to the Asheville Area Arts Council website by becoming an Arts Business Member! Benefits include:

  • Login access to the arts council’s website to edit your directory listing and add events (new perk!)
  • Submit jobs and calls for artists to be shared on AAAC’s website
  • Ability for you and your staff to serve on the Arts Coalition
  • Discounted rates for you and your staff on tickets to the Creative Sector Summit (happening Nov. 2021)
  • Option to add something to the Creative Sector Summit swag bag
  • Local arts sector representation & advocacy
  • And so much more!
YMI Cultural Center Business Incubation
Sep 30 all-day
online

_MG_0157_edited.jpg

YMICC is committed to economic development and entrepreneurship for Black individuals and communities. Through this program entrepreneurs will receive six (6) months to one (1) year of business incubation support that will include business development training, startup and capacity building funding, as well as, mentorship opportunities. We are interested in you and your business ideas.

YMI Cultural Center Workforce Development Program
Sep 30 all-day
online

The “HMMM” (Hospitality, Medical, Manufacturing, Municipality) workforce training initiative and business development program is designed to support participants with training to build technical and workforce skills. The expansion of this program is “Operation Gateway” which provides a “circle of support” that addresses barriers to successful employment.  In this program participants will receive wraparound services along their pathway to the workplace. This circle of services includes childcare, transportation, financial support, guidance, and re-entry skill development (e.g., resume-building and interviewing).

City of Asheville Announces RFP Process for ARPA Funding
Sep 30 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

The City of Asheville will accept proposals from government agencies and nonprofits for community projects funded through the American Rescue Plan. At their September 14 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to fund projects in the following categories:

  • Affordable housing
  • Care for aging residents
  • City infrastructure
  • Climate change
  • Community communication
  • Domestic violence prevention and assistance
  • Food systems
  • Homelessness services
  • Small business recovery
  • Workforce development

Projects must serve City residents and fall under one of the categories above. For more information, including the timeline for the process

AVL Pathways to Grow: Informational Session for Business Training Program
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
online
Business Team
Learn more about how AVL Pathways to Grow can help you grow your business!

In this informational session, you’ll learn more about AVL Pathways to Grow, a new training program for women and small business owners of color. Brought to you by the City of Asheville’s Business Inclusion Office and the national nonprofit Interise, this program works to both teach business owners valuable skills as well as meaningfully connect them with their peers and the larger community to contribute to their success.

Curriculum will cover important topics such as strategic assessment, financials, sales, marketing, and resources, all with the goal of creating strategic and sustainable growth for your business. This valuable resource is being offered free of charge.

Is AVL Pathways to Grow right for you? To qualify, you should have:

  • $150,000 – $5 million in annual revenues
  • One other full-time employee besides the owner(s)
  • Been in business at least 2 years
  • Willingness and ability to attend class once every two weeks for 7 months
  • Willingness to complete mandatory assignments and program surveys as requested

We look forward to seeing you!

DIGITAL MARKETING CERTIFICATE
Sep 30 @ 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
WCU Biltmore Park, Asheville
September-November 2021 (6 Thursdays/Fridays)

Digital Marketing and Public RelationsCreate an online marketing communications strategy and powerhouse digital toolbox by completing six, full-day workshops taught by expert marketing and public relations professionals. Gain new insights into PR & marketing strategy, branding, budgeting, online content creation, video creation and use and social media.

Invested Course: An Investment Crowdfunding Learning Journey
Sep 30 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
online

The State of North Carolina recently passed legislation (NC PACES) making it possible to take on non-accredited investors for your small business. This allows you to raise funds from your friends, family, and broader community and to offer them a stake in – and a return on – the success that they are helping you to build.

Invested: An Investment Crowdfunding Learning Journey will assist a small cohort of interested business owners who are currently experiencing growth opportunities in preparing for, designing, and launching an investment crowdfunding campaign. The full course will entail five 2.5-hour sessions starting Thursday, September 23rd and running through October 21st.

The 7th Cohort of our Invested Course is coming up! The 5-session VIRTUAL COURSE will take place on the following dates:

  • Sep 23 – Session 1: 3-5pm
  • Sep 30 – Session 2: 3-5pm
  • Oct 07 – Session 3: 3-5pm
  • Oct 14 – Session 4: 3-5pm
  • Oct 21 – Session 5: 3-5pm

In between classes, the Invested program includes several one on one technical sessions with facilitators. Following the course, those that decide to execute investment crowdfunding campaigns will move into launch with the assistance of our BizWorks team and specialist partners.

Add your name to the Cohort 7 Interest Formand we will follow up with a brief consultation and informative call on specifications for the course. The course fee is $100 and $25 for additional participants from the same company. We also have an interest list for potential investors (those of us that may want to participate in a local crowdfunding campaign and attend one of the Invested course pitch events) that you can sign up for here.

A big thanks to our partners Jake Farrar (Van Winkle Law Firm), Annie Milroy Price (Birds Eye), and Jeffrey Scott (Metamorphic) who have assisted in developing and delivering this course.

Friday, October 1, 2021
Center for Craft Craft Research Fund
Oct 1 all-day
online

Center for Craft Craft Research Fund

Apply for the 2022 Craft Research Fund Artist Fellowship, Exhibition Grant, or Project Grant with the Center for Craft. Applications are due October 4, 2021

City of Asheville Announces RFP Process for ARPA Funding
Oct 1 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

The City of Asheville will accept proposals from government agencies and nonprofits for community projects funded through the American Rescue Plan. At their September 14 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to fund projects in the following categories:

  • Affordable housing
  • Care for aging residents
  • City infrastructure
  • Climate change
  • Community communication
  • Domestic violence prevention and assistance
  • Food systems
  • Homelessness services
  • Small business recovery
  • Workforce development

Projects must serve City residents and fall under one of the categories above. For more information, including the timeline for the process

DIGITAL MARKETING CERTIFICATE
Oct 1 @ 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
WCU Biltmore Park, Asheville
September-November 2021 (6 Thursdays/Fridays)

Digital Marketing and Public RelationsCreate an online marketing communications strategy and powerhouse digital toolbox by completing six, full-day workshops taught by expert marketing and public relations professionals. Gain new insights into PR & marketing strategy, branding, budgeting, online content creation, video creation and use and social media.

Financial Series
Oct 1 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
online

Take advantage of a discounted Financial Series Pass.

Our Financial Series is made up of two distinct classes that, when taken in order, comprehensively cover the basic financial skills and tools that every entrepreneur needs to start and run a successful business.

Tickets for each class can be purchased individually, but if you know you want to attend both classes, we recommend purchasing a discounted Financial Series Pass.

Classes included in the Financial Series:

Financial Tools, September 10 + 17 – Financial Tools will introduce you to the tools to understand the basics of business finance so you can make informed decisions on how to organize and manage your business finances. Topics discussed are record keeping; bookkeeping; accounting; creating, understanding and using financial statements and reports. Individual Price: $50

Intro to QuickBooks Online, September 24 + October 1 – this class provides an overview of QuickBooks and the different subscription levels, and will teach you how to navigate the dashboard and explore the reporting feature to generate reports that can be customized to your needs. When you complete this class, you’ll know the best ways to get around, enter day-to-day transactions, get the information you need out of QuickBooks, and powerful report tools that’ll help your business make good decisions. Individual Price: $25

Financial Series Pass: $60

Craft Your Business workshop series: Insuring Creativity
Oct 1 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
online

Guest Presenters: Carrie Cleveland – CERF+

 

So often the creative community doesn’t carry the proper insurance to cover your business in a time of need. 79% of creative based businesses do not carry the correct insurance necessary to protect their business. The lack of adequate business insurance represents a career-threatening financial vulnerability to creatives who are affected by emergencies beyond their control such as fire, theft, and natural disasters.

CERF+ was started by artists for artists in the craft community as a grassroots mutual aid effort in 1985 and has since emerged as the leading nonprofit organization that uniquely focuses on safeguarding artists’ livelihoods nationwide. CERF+ serves artists who work in craft disciplines by providing a safety net to support strong and sustainable careers. Our core services are education programs, advocacy, network building and emergency relief.

CERF+ is readiness, relief resilience for studio artists, ensuring that they are as protected as the work they create.

Join CERF+ and others for a discussion about insurance and the actual needs creatives have around protection.

The Insuring Creativity workshop is part of the Craft Your Commerce Workshop Series Beyond the Studio: Financials and Operations.

Saturday, October 2, 2021
Center for Craft Craft Research Fund
Oct 2 all-day
online

Center for Craft Craft Research Fund

Apply for the 2022 Craft Research Fund Artist Fellowship, Exhibition Grant, or Project Grant with the Center for Craft. Applications are due October 4, 2021

City of Asheville Announces RFP Process for ARPA Funding
Oct 2 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

The City of Asheville will accept proposals from government agencies and nonprofits for community projects funded through the American Rescue Plan. At their September 14 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to fund projects in the following categories:

  • Affordable housing
  • Care for aging residents
  • City infrastructure
  • Climate change
  • Community communication
  • Domestic violence prevention and assistance
  • Food systems
  • Homelessness services
  • Small business recovery
  • Workforce development

Projects must serve City residents and fall under one of the categories above. For more information, including the timeline for the process