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

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

Monday, February 8, 2021
We’re Hiring! 1-year Internship Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Feb 8 all-day
Online w/ Hickory Nut Gap Farm
We’re Hiring!

1-year Internship

START DATE: April 1, 2021
Are you someone who wants to work in agriculture? Interested in learning more about regenerative farming practices in a safe and inclusive environment?

Jump start your agriculture career with our 1-year immersive internship. We will put you in the driver’s seat of our operation so that you can learn while doing and expand your understanding of all aspects of the farming industry. If you’re hardworking, honest, committed, and passionate about what you do, then we want you!

Farm interns play a vital role in the day-to-day operation of farming practices on our 300+ acre farm in Fairview, NC.  During the 1-year time commitment, interns will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of livestock farming, berry and apple cultivation, and a variety of farm maintenance skills including carpentry and plumbing.

Hickory Nut Gap Farm has been a family business since 1916 and is currently operated by 4th generation farmer, Jamie Ager.  He and his family opened the farm to the public for tours, events, and activities while still maintaining year round meat production in 100% grassfed beef and pasture-raised pork and chicken.  Since no other regional farm operates as both a production facility and agritourism model, this is a unique opportunity for interns to see how business and farming intertwine. Hickory Nut Gap is also one of the leading pioneers in sustainable farming, rotational grazing, and regenerative agriculture practices in the Southeast Region.

What You Need to Know for the New PPP – Podcast
Feb 8 all-day
Online w/ Henderson County Chamber
What You Need to Know for the New PPP – Podcast with Johnson Price Sprinkle Partner, Rollin Groseclose
New PPP 1st and 2nd draw loans are now available, but there are still a lot of questions surrounding requirements, eligibility and payback. Rollin Groseclose, Partner at Johnson Price Sprinkle was a recent podcast guest and gave guidance on PPP.

2021 Farm Dreams
Feb 8 @ 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Online w/ Organic Growers School

Explore Sustainable Farming

If you’re in the exploratory stages of starting your own farm, this entry-level workshop is designed just for you. You will receive practical, common-sense information on sustainable farming and how to move forward.

Learn about sustainable farming careers in Western North Carolina.

Discover and assess your resources, skills and farming intentions.

Begin to develop an educational plan toward farming.

Connect with regional training opportunities and support networks.

Prioritize your next steps toward your farming goals.

Hear from experienced farmers running successful farms in WNC.

Farm Dreams is oriented towards those who would like to begin to market farm products. OGS also offers Homestead Dreams, a day-long workshop similar to the Farm Dreams, but geared toward homesteaders and folks interested in land-based living. The difference is that Farm Dreams focuses on an enterprise model where income generation is a significant part of the equation.

Nominations for the 14th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Now Open
Feb 8 @ 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
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
28th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference Online REGISTRATION OPEN
Feb 9 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

March 13-21, 2021 – Online
Kick-off Live Event
March 13, 2021
  • Three Live Keynote Talks
  • Teaser Videos for our 11 Themed Tracks
  • Lunchtime Entertainment
  • A Live Q&A With our Keynote speakers
  • A video social with other attendees
  • Access to our Exhibit Hall
Track Workshops
March 14-19, 2021
View 3 pre-recorded hour long workshops in each of 11 Themed Tracks:
  • Cherokee Foods
  • Cooking
  • Farming
  • Food Systems
  • Gardening
  • Herbs
  • Livestock
  • Mushrooms
  • Permaculture
  • Soils
  • Sustainable Living

Live Panel Discussion Sessions

March 20-21, 2021

Join a live Panel Discussion with each speaker from the Track workshops. Interact directly with panelists during the live Q & A portion!
Annual Seedling Sale: Order Now-Feb. 28
Feb 9 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Government

News
                            article image

There is new inventory for the seedling sale. Apples, pears, and additional stock in blackberries and rhubarb have been added to the seedling sale. If you have already placed an order, no worries! Submit another order, and we will make sure your new order gets packaged with your previous order.

The Buncombe County Soil & Water annual seedling sale runs now through Sunday, Feb. 28. To order, use the link here. Please note, some seedlings might sell out before Feb. 28. Seedling pickup will be March 4-5, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

If you have additional questions, call (828) 250-4785.

Order here.

Some of this year’s seedlings for sale:

  • Blackberries
  • Red Mulberry
  • Redbud
  • Persimmon
  • Kousa Dogwood
  • White Oak
  • Much more
COVID-19 GRANTS One Buncombe Grant Fund
Feb 9 all-day
Online w/ Mountain BizWorks

One Buncombe Launches Monday

Attention “Gig” Workers!  This grant program will support COVID-19 affected Buncombe County-based small businesses re-open and rehire Living Wage employees. It is designed to support businesses who have had a hard time accessing relief grant capital and will prioritize funding people of color-owned, woman-owned, and sole-proprietor businesses.

The mission of the grant funds is to support COVID-19 affected Buncombe County-based small businesses in their ability to re-open and rehire employees.

The One Buncombe Grant Fund helps small for-profit businesses reopen and rehire staff through grants. Please note that funds are limited and not all who apply will be awarded. The eligible grant amount will be based on firm size:

  • Up to $2,500 for solopreneurs or single-member organizations
  • Up to $5,000 for firms with up to 25 full-time equivalent employees
  • Program Timeline

    • February 8: The application window opens
      • All applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered equally. There is no benefit to rushing an application.
    • February 8: Self-scheduled one-on-one application assistance opens
    • February 9:The first webinar will take place at 2 pm
    • February 11:The second webinar will take place at 9:30 am
    • February 26: Technical support around submitting your application will conclude at 5 pm
    • February 28: The application window closes at 11:59 pm
We’re Hiring! 1-year Internship Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Feb 9 all-day
Online w/ Hickory Nut Gap Farm
We’re Hiring!

1-year Internship

START DATE: April 1, 2021
Are you someone who wants to work in agriculture? Interested in learning more about regenerative farming practices in a safe and inclusive environment?

Jump start your agriculture career with our 1-year immersive internship. We will put you in the driver’s seat of our operation so that you can learn while doing and expand your understanding of all aspects of the farming industry. If you’re hardworking, honest, committed, and passionate about what you do, then we want you!

Farm interns play a vital role in the day-to-day operation of farming practices on our 300+ acre farm in Fairview, NC.  During the 1-year time commitment, interns will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of livestock farming, berry and apple cultivation, and a variety of farm maintenance skills including carpentry and plumbing.

Hickory Nut Gap Farm has been a family business since 1916 and is currently operated by 4th generation farmer, Jamie Ager.  He and his family opened the farm to the public for tours, events, and activities while still maintaining year round meat production in 100% grassfed beef and pasture-raised pork and chicken.  Since no other regional farm operates as both a production facility and agritourism model, this is a unique opportunity for interns to see how business and farming intertwine. Hickory Nut Gap is also one of the leading pioneers in sustainable farming, rotational grazing, and regenerative agriculture practices in the Southeast Region.

What You Need to Know for the New PPP – Podcast
Feb 9 all-day
Online w/ Henderson County Chamber
What You Need to Know for the New PPP – Podcast with Johnson Price Sprinkle Partner, Rollin Groseclose
New PPP 1st and 2nd draw loans are now available, but there are still a lot of questions surrounding requirements, eligibility and payback. Rollin Groseclose, Partner at Johnson Price Sprinkle was a recent podcast guest and gave guidance on PPP.

Nominations for the 14th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Now Open
Feb 9 @ 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
Modeling Your Business
Feb 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Online w/ Blue Ridge Community College

Welcome to the Small Business Center (SBC) located at Blue Ridge Community College, part of the Small Business Center Network (SBCN). Blue Ridge Community College Campuses and the SBC are located in Flat Rock and Brevard, North Carolina.

SBCN is comprised of 58 Small Business Centers throughout North Carolina, that supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of local training, counseling, and resource information.

Local SBC training, confidential counseling, and resource information is offered at no cost due to funding from the State of North Carolina.
Services provided by the Small Business Center can be customized to suit your specific business needs.

Each week we offer a program on starting and growing a business to answer all your question about requirements and resources offered  through the federal, state, region, county, and local cities.

No cost due to sponsor support

Your business model is the backbone of your venture and is critical to its sustainability. Build a Business Model Canvas and define your key partners, activities, and resources. You’ll contrast these to your customer segments, channels, and relationships, thereby creating your Unique Value Proposition. Underpinned with cost structure and revenue streams, this core model will ensure your business’ future success.

Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Annual Seedling Sale: Order Now-Feb. 28
Feb 10 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Government

News
                            article image

There is new inventory for the seedling sale. Apples, pears, and additional stock in blackberries and rhubarb have been added to the seedling sale. If you have already placed an order, no worries! Submit another order, and we will make sure your new order gets packaged with your previous order.

The Buncombe County Soil & Water annual seedling sale runs now through Sunday, Feb. 28. To order, use the link here. Please note, some seedlings might sell out before Feb. 28. Seedling pickup will be March 4-5, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

If you have additional questions, call (828) 250-4785.

Order here.

Some of this year’s seedlings for sale:

  • Blackberries
  • Red Mulberry
  • Redbud
  • Persimmon
  • Kousa Dogwood
  • White Oak
  • Much more
COVID-19 GRANTS One Buncombe Grant Fund
Feb 10 all-day
Online w/ Mountain BizWorks

One Buncombe Launches Monday

Attention “Gig” Workers!  This grant program will support COVID-19 affected Buncombe County-based small businesses re-open and rehire Living Wage employees. It is designed to support businesses who have had a hard time accessing relief grant capital and will prioritize funding people of color-owned, woman-owned, and sole-proprietor businesses.

The mission of the grant funds is to support COVID-19 affected Buncombe County-based small businesses in their ability to re-open and rehire employees.

The One Buncombe Grant Fund helps small for-profit businesses reopen and rehire staff through grants. Please note that funds are limited and not all who apply will be awarded. The eligible grant amount will be based on firm size:

  • Up to $2,500 for solopreneurs or single-member organizations
  • Up to $5,000 for firms with up to 25 full-time equivalent employees
  • Program Timeline

    • February 8: The application window opens
      • All applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered equally. There is no benefit to rushing an application.
    • February 8: Self-scheduled one-on-one application assistance opens
    • February 9:The first webinar will take place at 2 pm
    • February 11:The second webinar will take place at 9:30 am
    • February 26: Technical support around submitting your application will conclude at 5 pm
    • February 28: The application window closes at 11:59 pm
Find Your Farm Share! CSA guide available now
Feb 10 all-day
Online w/ ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project)

Joining a CSA (or Community Supported Agriculture) program connects you directly with local farms in your community. ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) offers several events and resources to learn more about CSAs, in which members buy a “share” of a farm’s harvest upfront and receive a weekly box of fresh produce or other farm goods. ASAP will host a virtual CSA Fair on March 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. on Zoom. In addition, Full Share, a free guide listing 60 CSA farms in the Appalachian Grown region, is available now at farmers markets and community centers throughout the region as well as digitally at asapconnections.org/find-local-food/csa.

 

The virtual CSA Fair will feature farms providing CSAs in Buncombe County and the surrounding region. In addition to traditional produce farms, the fair will include farms with meat and flower CSA programs. The virtual fair will have a similar format as live fairs in the past—a relaxed setting where attendees can talk to farmers about their CSA programs, products, growing practices, and more. Attendees can sign up for CSAs during the fair or follow up with farmers later. The fair is free to attend, but participants do need to register for the event to get a Zoom link.

 

For farmers, the CSA Fair is a chance to build relationships, even if attendees decide not to purchase a share. “[The customers we meet at the CSA Fair] tend to really want to know the farmer and the food, meaning they are a bit more adventurous when it comes to trying new things,” says K.P. Whaley of Tiny Bridge Farm. “They are interested in knowing how and what we are growing, and really want us to be successful as a farm operation. We may get some customers from the fair and that’s great. But we also start building relationships with future customers.”

 

Participating farms at press time include Bearwallow Valley Farms, Blazing Star Flowers, Colfax Creek Farm, Creekside Farm, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Olivette Farm, and Tiny Bridge Farm, with more farms to be added before the fair. Check asapconnections.org/events/csa-fair for updates and to register.

 

ABOUT ASAP (APPALACHIAN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECT)

ASAP’s mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food. To learn more, visit asapconnections.org.

 

We’re Hiring! 1-year Internship Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Feb 10 all-day
Online w/ Hickory Nut Gap Farm
We’re Hiring!

1-year Internship

START DATE: April 1, 2021
Are you someone who wants to work in agriculture? Interested in learning more about regenerative farming practices in a safe and inclusive environment?

Jump start your agriculture career with our 1-year immersive internship. We will put you in the driver’s seat of our operation so that you can learn while doing and expand your understanding of all aspects of the farming industry. If you’re hardworking, honest, committed, and passionate about what you do, then we want you!

Farm interns play a vital role in the day-to-day operation of farming practices on our 300+ acre farm in Fairview, NC.  During the 1-year time commitment, interns will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of livestock farming, berry and apple cultivation, and a variety of farm maintenance skills including carpentry and plumbing.

Hickory Nut Gap Farm has been a family business since 1916 and is currently operated by 4th generation farmer, Jamie Ager.  He and his family opened the farm to the public for tours, events, and activities while still maintaining year round meat production in 100% grassfed beef and pasture-raised pork and chicken.  Since no other regional farm operates as both a production facility and agritourism model, this is a unique opportunity for interns to see how business and farming intertwine. Hickory Nut Gap is also one of the leading pioneers in sustainable farming, rotational grazing, and regenerative agriculture practices in the Southeast Region.

What You Need to Know for the New PPP – Podcast
Feb 10 all-day
Online w/ Henderson County Chamber
What You Need to Know for the New PPP – Podcast with Johnson Price Sprinkle Partner, Rollin Groseclose
New PPP 1st and 2nd draw loans are now available, but there are still a lot of questions surrounding requirements, eligibility and payback. Rollin Groseclose, Partner at Johnson Price Sprinkle was a recent podcast guest and gave guidance on PPP.

Business Morning Update
Feb 10 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Online w/ Henderson County Chamber
This monthly event, co-sponsored with Blue Ridge Community College’s Small Business Center, the City of Hendersonville Main Street program, and the Hendersonville Merchants & Business
Nominations for the 14th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Now Open
Feb 10 @ 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
Thursday, February 11, 2021
28th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference Online REGISTRATION OPEN
Feb 11 all-day
Online w/ Organic Growers School

March 13-21, 2021 – Online
Kick-off Live Event
March 13, 2021
  • Three Live Keynote Talks
  • Teaser Videos for our 11 Themed Tracks
  • Lunchtime Entertainment
  • A Live Q&A With our Keynote speakers
  • A video social with other attendees
  • Access to our Exhibit Hall
Track Workshops
March 14-19, 2021
View 3 pre-recorded hour long workshops in each of 11 Themed Tracks:
  • Cherokee Foods
  • Cooking
  • Farming
  • Food Systems
  • Gardening
  • Herbs
  • Livestock
  • Mushrooms
  • Permaculture
  • Soils
  • Sustainable Living

Live Panel Discussion Sessions

March 20-21, 2021

Join a live Panel Discussion with each speaker from the Track workshops. Interact directly with panelists during the live Q & A portion!
Annual Seedling Sale: Order Now-Feb. 28
Feb 11 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Government

News
                            article image

There is new inventory for the seedling sale. Apples, pears, and additional stock in blackberries and rhubarb have been added to the seedling sale. If you have already placed an order, no worries! Submit another order, and we will make sure your new order gets packaged with your previous order.

The Buncombe County Soil & Water annual seedling sale runs now through Sunday, Feb. 28. To order, use the link here. Please note, some seedlings might sell out before Feb. 28. Seedling pickup will be March 4-5, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

If you have additional questions, call (828) 250-4785.

Order here.

Some of this year’s seedlings for sale:

  • Blackberries
  • Red Mulberry
  • Redbud
  • Persimmon
  • Kousa Dogwood
  • White Oak
  • Much more
COVID-19 GRANTS One Buncombe Grant Fund
Feb 11 all-day
Online w/ Mountain BizWorks

One Buncombe Launches Monday

Attention “Gig” Workers!  This grant program will support COVID-19 affected Buncombe County-based small businesses re-open and rehire Living Wage employees. It is designed to support businesses who have had a hard time accessing relief grant capital and will prioritize funding people of color-owned, woman-owned, and sole-proprietor businesses.

The mission of the grant funds is to support COVID-19 affected Buncombe County-based small businesses in their ability to re-open and rehire employees.

The One Buncombe Grant Fund helps small for-profit businesses reopen and rehire staff through grants. Please note that funds are limited and not all who apply will be awarded. The eligible grant amount will be based on firm size:

  • Up to $2,500 for solopreneurs or single-member organizations
  • Up to $5,000 for firms with up to 25 full-time equivalent employees
  • Program Timeline

    • February 8: The application window opens
      • All applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered equally. There is no benefit to rushing an application.
    • February 8: Self-scheduled one-on-one application assistance opens
    • February 9:The first webinar will take place at 2 pm
    • February 11:The second webinar will take place at 9:30 am
    • February 26: Technical support around submitting your application will conclude at 5 pm
    • February 28: The application window closes at 11:59 pm
Find Your Farm Share! CSA guide available now
Feb 11 all-day
Online w/ ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project)

Joining a CSA (or Community Supported Agriculture) program connects you directly with local farms in your community. ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) offers several events and resources to learn more about CSAs, in which members buy a “share” of a farm’s harvest upfront and receive a weekly box of fresh produce or other farm goods. ASAP will host a virtual CSA Fair on March 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. on Zoom. In addition, Full Share, a free guide listing 60 CSA farms in the Appalachian Grown region, is available now at farmers markets and community centers throughout the region as well as digitally at asapconnections.org/find-local-food/csa.

 

The virtual CSA Fair will feature farms providing CSAs in Buncombe County and the surrounding region. In addition to traditional produce farms, the fair will include farms with meat and flower CSA programs. The virtual fair will have a similar format as live fairs in the past—a relaxed setting where attendees can talk to farmers about their CSA programs, products, growing practices, and more. Attendees can sign up for CSAs during the fair or follow up with farmers later. The fair is free to attend, but participants do need to register for the event to get a Zoom link.

 

For farmers, the CSA Fair is a chance to build relationships, even if attendees decide not to purchase a share. “[The customers we meet at the CSA Fair] tend to really want to know the farmer and the food, meaning they are a bit more adventurous when it comes to trying new things,” says K.P. Whaley of Tiny Bridge Farm. “They are interested in knowing how and what we are growing, and really want us to be successful as a farm operation. We may get some customers from the fair and that’s great. But we also start building relationships with future customers.”

 

Participating farms at press time include Bearwallow Valley Farms, Blazing Star Flowers, Colfax Creek Farm, Creekside Farm, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Olivette Farm, and Tiny Bridge Farm, with more farms to be added before the fair. Check asapconnections.org/events/csa-fair for updates and to register.

 

ABOUT ASAP (APPALACHIAN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECT)

ASAP’s mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food. To learn more, visit asapconnections.org.

 

Professional Networking Group for Veterans
Feb 11 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. 

We’re Hiring! 1-year Internship Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Feb 11 all-day
Online w/ Hickory Nut Gap Farm
We’re Hiring!

1-year Internship

START DATE: April 1, 2021
Are you someone who wants to work in agriculture? Interested in learning more about regenerative farming practices in a safe and inclusive environment?

Jump start your agriculture career with our 1-year immersive internship. We will put you in the driver’s seat of our operation so that you can learn while doing and expand your understanding of all aspects of the farming industry. If you’re hardworking, honest, committed, and passionate about what you do, then we want you!

Farm interns play a vital role in the day-to-day operation of farming practices on our 300+ acre farm in Fairview, NC.  During the 1-year time commitment, interns will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of livestock farming, berry and apple cultivation, and a variety of farm maintenance skills including carpentry and plumbing.

Hickory Nut Gap Farm has been a family business since 1916 and is currently operated by 4th generation farmer, Jamie Ager.  He and his family opened the farm to the public for tours, events, and activities while still maintaining year round meat production in 100% grassfed beef and pasture-raised pork and chicken.  Since no other regional farm operates as both a production facility and agritourism model, this is a unique opportunity for interns to see how business and farming intertwine. Hickory Nut Gap is also one of the leading pioneers in sustainable farming, rotational grazing, and regenerative agriculture practices in the Southeast Region.

What You Need to Know for the New PPP – Podcast
Feb 11 all-day
Online w/ Henderson County Chamber
What You Need to Know for the New PPP – Podcast with Johnson Price Sprinkle Partner, Rollin Groseclose
New PPP 1st and 2nd draw loans are now available, but there are still a lot of questions surrounding requirements, eligibility and payback. Rollin Groseclose, Partner at Johnson Price Sprinkle was a recent podcast guest and gave guidance on PPP.

Nominations for the 14th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Now Open
Feb 11 @ 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
Friday, February 12, 2021
Annual Seedling Sale: Order Now-Feb. 28
Feb 12 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Government

News
                            article image

There is new inventory for the seedling sale. Apples, pears, and additional stock in blackberries and rhubarb have been added to the seedling sale. If you have already placed an order, no worries! Submit another order, and we will make sure your new order gets packaged with your previous order.

The Buncombe County Soil & Water annual seedling sale runs now through Sunday, Feb. 28. To order, use the link here. Please note, some seedlings might sell out before Feb. 28. Seedling pickup will be March 4-5, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

If you have additional questions, call (828) 250-4785.

Order here.

Some of this year’s seedlings for sale:

  • Blackberries
  • Red Mulberry
  • Redbud
  • Persimmon
  • Kousa Dogwood
  • White Oak
  • Much more
COVID-19 GRANTS One Buncombe Grant Fund
Feb 12 all-day
Online w/ Mountain BizWorks

One Buncombe Launches Monday

Attention “Gig” Workers!  This grant program will support COVID-19 affected Buncombe County-based small businesses re-open and rehire Living Wage employees. It is designed to support businesses who have had a hard time accessing relief grant capital and will prioritize funding people of color-owned, woman-owned, and sole-proprietor businesses.

The mission of the grant funds is to support COVID-19 affected Buncombe County-based small businesses in their ability to re-open and rehire employees.

The One Buncombe Grant Fund helps small for-profit businesses reopen and rehire staff through grants. Please note that funds are limited and not all who apply will be awarded. The eligible grant amount will be based on firm size:

  • Up to $2,500 for solopreneurs or single-member organizations
  • Up to $5,000 for firms with up to 25 full-time equivalent employees
  • Program Timeline

    • February 8: The application window opens
      • All applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered equally. There is no benefit to rushing an application.
    • February 8: Self-scheduled one-on-one application assistance opens
    • February 9:The first webinar will take place at 2 pm
    • February 11:The second webinar will take place at 9:30 am
    • February 26: Technical support around submitting your application will conclude at 5 pm
    • February 28: The application window closes at 11:59 pm
Find Your Farm Share! CSA guide available now
Feb 12 all-day
Online w/ ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project)

Joining a CSA (or Community Supported Agriculture) program connects you directly with local farms in your community. ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) offers several events and resources to learn more about CSAs, in which members buy a “share” of a farm’s harvest upfront and receive a weekly box of fresh produce or other farm goods. ASAP will host a virtual CSA Fair on March 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. on Zoom. In addition, Full Share, a free guide listing 60 CSA farms in the Appalachian Grown region, is available now at farmers markets and community centers throughout the region as well as digitally at asapconnections.org/find-local-food/csa.

 

The virtual CSA Fair will feature farms providing CSAs in Buncombe County and the surrounding region. In addition to traditional produce farms, the fair will include farms with meat and flower CSA programs. The virtual fair will have a similar format as live fairs in the past—a relaxed setting where attendees can talk to farmers about their CSA programs, products, growing practices, and more. Attendees can sign up for CSAs during the fair or follow up with farmers later. The fair is free to attend, but participants do need to register for the event to get a Zoom link.

 

For farmers, the CSA Fair is a chance to build relationships, even if attendees decide not to purchase a share. “[The customers we meet at the CSA Fair] tend to really want to know the farmer and the food, meaning they are a bit more adventurous when it comes to trying new things,” says K.P. Whaley of Tiny Bridge Farm. “They are interested in knowing how and what we are growing, and really want us to be successful as a farm operation. We may get some customers from the fair and that’s great. But we also start building relationships with future customers.”

 

Participating farms at press time include Bearwallow Valley Farms, Blazing Star Flowers, Colfax Creek Farm, Creekside Farm, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Olivette Farm, and Tiny Bridge Farm, with more farms to be added before the fair. Check asapconnections.org/events/csa-fair for updates and to register.

 

ABOUT ASAP (APPALACHIAN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROJECT)

ASAP’s mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food. To learn more, visit asapconnections.org.

 

Professional Networking Group for Veterans
Feb 12 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.