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Learn why the Haywood area is the best place to start and grow a business.

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Our free Online Trainings, e2e Advice Videos, How-To blogs, Podcasts, and more will help you level-up and increase your odds of success.

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Get Fast Answers From Experts

We're not robots. We're experienced entrepreneurs, ready to answer your critical how-to questions so you can slingshot your growth and development.

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Connect to Local 1:1 Counseling

We make it easy for you to connect with seasoned local mentors who can provide personalized, 1:1 support, training, and assistance—all for free!

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Local Entrepreneur Spotlights

Your community is filled with entrepreneurs out there making their dreams come true, just like you. Check out what they're doing and get inspired for the journey through these entrepreneur spotlights.

Meet Mike Coble, owner of three small specialty boutiques

Mike Coble, owner of three small specialty boutiques in downtown Waynesville

Mike Coble, owner of three small specialty boutiques in downtown Waynesville, gives insight on getting into the entrepreneurial mindset, hiring the right people, and why finding a good mentor matters.

Meet Esther Blakely, owner of Cataloochee Valley Tours in Waynesville

Esther Blakely, owner of Cataloochee Valley Tours in Waynesville

Esther Blakely of Cataloochee Valley Tours, sheds light on finding funding, learning about your limits as an entrepreneur, and overcoming unexpected administrative obstacles.

Meet Courtney and Spencer Tetrault, owners of Axe & Awl Leatherworks in Waynesville

Courtney and Spencer Tetrault, owners of Axe & Awl Leatherworks in Waynesville

Courtney and Spencer Tetrault of Axe & Awl Leatherworks, open up about turning their hobby full-time, marketing via social media, and starting a business with your spouse.

Meet XYZ, Owner of XYZ

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Looking For Local 1:1 Support?
Haywood Community College Has It!

Did you know your local Small Business Center provides personalized support, training, and assistance—all for free? Seasoned mentors are standing by and can help you start or grow your business today!

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Learn From Experienced Entrepreneurs

We call it Entrepreneur-To-Entrepreneur training (E2E for short)

Clips

Quick insights & advice from entrepreneurs on planning, starting, and growing businesses.

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Compilations

Experienced entrepreneurs offer their most valuable lessons-learned on a variety of essential topics.

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Journeys

Entrepreneurs share stories about starting & growing their ventures, being an entrepreneur, & more.

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Entrepreneur Journeys

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From Small To Global: How To Change Your Business And Your Mindset

Jonathan Szucs, general manager and owner of Advanced Superabrasives, located in Mars Hill, North Carolina talks not only about the importance of effectively connecting to your ecosystem through networking and outreach, but he also discusses the importance of thinking globally (and, for them, interplanetary) while starting and growing a business in a rural area.

Turning Your Hobby Or Side Hustle Into A Full-Time Business

Courtney and Spencer Tetrault, owners of Axe & Awl Leatherworks in Waynesville, open up about turning their hobby full-time, marketing via social media, and starting a business with your spouse.

The Evolution Of Your One-Page Business Plan

Ben Coffey, owner of BC Cinematics in Lenoir, discusses the evolution of his business plan, the importance of networking, and how his local SBC helped him develop essential entrepreneurial skills.

Best-Practice Compilations

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Michael Sowinski Asheville Entrepreneur Advice Supportedly

Entrepreneur Advice For Growing Your Small Business

Listen to these entrepreneurs talk about the challenges, setbacks, and successes they experienced while growing their businesses. From finding funding to pitching your small business to investors, to knowing when it’s time to hire more team members, they give their advice as business owners with thriving companies.

Mary Beth Benton Asheville Entrepreneur Advice Supportedly

Entrepreneur Advice For Raising Money

Listen to these entrepreneurs talk about their best advice for raising money for your growing company. They discuss relying on personal funds, finding people you can trust, securing lines of credit when you don’t necessarily need it, getting a mentor to help you out, and more.

Nathan Masters Asheville Entrepreneur Advice Supportedly

Entrepreneur Advice For Planning Your Small Business

Listen to these entrepreneurs talk about the challenges, setbacks, and successes they experienced while planning their businesses. From not being fully prepared and what they would tell their younger selves today to the importance of talking to your target audience and branding yourself in the right way, they give their advice as they look back…

How-To Advice Clips

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Meg Ragland Asheville Entrepreneur Advice Supportedly

Building A Team: Keep The Rockstars Happy

Personal Development and Wellness: Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

Finding Work-Life Balance As A Small Business Owner

Jessie Dean Asheville Entrepreneur Advice Supportedly

Raising Money: You’re Going To Need Funding

Developing Your Strategy: Do It As A Team

Running Your Business: Know Your Product

Developing Your Strategy: Be Nimble

Booomer Sassman Asheville Entrepreneur Advice Supportedly

Developing Your Strategy: Be Informative, Not Salesy

Featured Training

Craft Brewing For Beginners

Starting a business in the craft beer industry can seem daunting, as with most competitive industries entrepreneurs try to break out into. But so much can be learned in the process that goes beyond business advice and education. In this series of trainings, you'll hear from actual craft brewery owners about their experiences opening their businesses. They dive deep into brand development, direct-to-consumer sales, hiring and delegating, and how to employ a positive work culture. Note: This training was pre-recorded and is presented by the A-B Tech Small Business Center.

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