We knew when we created Supportedly that there were a lot of amazing resources for entrepreneurs all over North Carolina, but even we’ve been blown away by how many programs are available to support you on your entrepreneurial journey.

In this post, we’ve rounded up just a sampling of super cool resources for entrepreneurs that can be found in the Asheville area. Here are nine links and brief descriptions of curated resources for entrepreneurs in Asheville!

(Are you an entrepreneur in Raleigh-Durham? Here’s a post just for you!)

Asheville Grown Business Alliance

Connections

Asheville, NC 28801

A grassroots advocate for local, independently owned businesses, Asheville Grown offers the Go Local card. Residents pay $18 for the card which offers residents discounts at participating businesses and raises money for local schools. There are currently over 400 businesses represented, and it’s a great way for new businesses in Asheville to get acquainted with potential customers.

Small Business Center at A.B. Tech

Knowledge & Skills

1465 Sand Hill Rd
Candler, NC 28715

If you’re looking for support in starting and growing a business in the Asheville area, the Small Business Center is an incredible resource. One of the most interesting aspects of the Small Business Center is its business incubator. The incubator contains approximately 141,000 square feet, which includes an FDA approved commercial food kitchen, the BioNetwork/Natural Products Core Lab, a 70,000-sq.-ft. light manufacturing/warehouse space, and 30,000 sq. ft. of executive office space. In addition, the Small Business Center just added the HP Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs (HP LIFE), a global online program that offers aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners a chance to further develop much-needed business skills.

Focal Point Coworking, LLC

Tools & Space

25 S Lexington Ave #101
Asheville, NC 28801

The new kid on the block on Asheville’s trendy South Slope, and just a stone’s throw from great restaurants, breweries, and The Orange Peel, Focal Point jumped in with both feet by offering regular business-centered events. The space has a comfortable, homey, but professional vibe. Membership rates range from $25 to $350 a month depending on the level of membership and type of desk. Office suites are from $600 a month to $1,500 a month.

Asheville Angels

Money  /  Advice & Mentoring

36 Montford Ave.
Asheville, NC 28801

Venture Asheville is the high-growth entrepreneurship initiative of the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County and the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. Asheville Angels is an angel investor network of Venture Asheville. To date, Asheville Angels has invested nearly $2M over 25 companies started by entrepreneurs in Asheville and Buncombe County. The involved angel investors possess a broad array of business experiences and skills that they utilize in helping to screen and evaluate potential portfolio companies.

Elevate

Advice & Mentoring  /  Connections

6 Montford Ave.
Asheville, NC 28801

Another Venture Asheville program designed to support Asheville’s next big startup successes, Elevate works directly with founders of high-growth startups to help them navigate the practical day-to-day challenges of building great companies and develop their personal skills as leaders and CEOs. One of the cool aspects of this program is that all mentors and entrepreneurs are required to follow a Statement of Principles. The intention is to keep the advice unbiased and confidential.

Mountain Bizworks

Money  /  Advice & Mentoring

153 S Lexington Ave.
Asheville, NC 28801

From business loans ranging from $1,000 to $150,000 to peer-to-peer business coaching, Mountain Bizworks is a wonderful resource for Western North Carolina small businesses. Since they opened their doors over twenty-seven years ago, they’ve made over 1,000 loans equaling over $18 million! What makes them unique is that they’re specifically dedicated to helping low-income, minority, women, and immigrant entrepreneurs, and businesses that operate within the local food system.

Asheville Makers

Tools & Space

207 Coxe Ave., Studio 14
Asheville, NC 28801

Consider yourself a mad scientist? You’ll feel right at home at this maker-space for tinkerers, makers, engineers, educators, scientists, artists, hackers, geeks, etc. Based in the Refinery Creator Space, Asheville Makers offers Supporting Memberships for $25 per month which gives access to the space during “open hours” and Full Memberships for $50 per month which offers 24/7 access. Projects are hands-on and include building, fixing, and creating engines for different types of vehicles, garden and craft projects, 3D printing, working with lasers, etc.

Hatch AVL Foundation

Tools & Space  /  Connections

45 S. French Broad Ave.
Asheville, NC 28801

Hatch AVL co-locates high-growth startups under one roof in Downtown Asheville. They provide space for key talent such as mentors, guides, bankers, lawyers, and investors. Founders can learn from one another and experienced mentors every day. Special programs, events, and partnerships are organized through Hatch AVL to enrich the startup community.

Meet the Geeks

Connections

Asheville, NC 28801

Meet the Geeks offers tech professionals in Western North Carolina casual socializing at bi-monthly get-togethers that promote relationship-building, sharing of ideas, and collaborations that will foster growth. They recently hosted a Techathon to promote tech-related jobs and opportunities in the area.

Your Turn!

If you live in the Asheville area and are inspired by this list of resources for entrepreneurs, take some time to visit one or two of the organizations (or attend one of their events) on this list.

Have a question about this topic or anything else?