Press release from Mountain BizWorks:
After a highly competitive round of applications topping three applications for every seat, Mountain BizWorks is pleased to unveil the 13 Western North Carolina-based companies selected for the 11th cohort of the ScaleUp WNC program, which begins in March and runs through the end of May.
Proving resilience throughout the pandemic, the selected companies have built excellent foundations and are poised to excel in the coming years. Through ScaleUp, the companies will receive intensive growth-management training, connect with experienced mentors, and receive access-to-capital support.
“The quality of this cohort is a testament to the strength of WNC’s small business ecosystem,” says Kareen Boncales, the Director of Entrepreneurship at Mountain BizWorks. “Out of the many great applicants, these companies have the potential to be some of the next big job and opportunity creators in our region.”
The 13 companies will join more than 145 alumni that have been served by ScaleUp since its launch in 2015. The program has had a diverse group of participants spanning a multitude of industries and hailing from all corners of WNC. Continuing this tradition, three-quarters of this year’s cohort are women, five are from rural communities, and one is veteran-owned. Further figures include an average annual revenue of $450,000, average age of 13 years in business, and 4 employees on average.
“ScaleUp companies are dynamic, create jobs, and are key parts of the engine that drives the economy in WNC. This cohort also goes to show that in WNC you can not only start successful companies, but also grow them to be vital pillars that anchor our community,” says Matt Raker, Mountain BizWorks’ executive director. “I’m very excited to see what these entrepreneurs and their businesses will accomplish.”
The following 13 accepted companies will be actively building their ScaleUp growth plan as members of the 11th cohort:
Ameritech Computer Consultants, Inc. (Hickory, NC)
Ameritech Data Solution (ADS) is a Custom Software Development and Managed Services company providing custom application development and quality IT services to small and medium size businesses across the US and Canada.Belle Decor (Asheville, NC)
Belle Decor is a small family run business located in the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina. The idea behind Belle Decor originated from our love of being immersed in nature. We share this love by bringing nature indoors in the form of houseplants delivered right to your door!
Bun Intended (Asheville, NC)
Bun Intended is an award-winning food truck and restaurant in the SW Market that specializes in homemade steamed buns and authentic Thai street food.
C&Co. Handcrafted Skincare (Asheville, NC)
C&Co. Handcrafted Skincare formulates and crafts the highest quality organic skincare products at our Asheville-based manufacturing lab. Our products are pH balanced, effective and affordable with transparent ingredient panels.
Earthshine Lodge (Lake Toxaway, NC)
A one-of-a-kind mountain lodge located in beautiful Lake Toxaway, NC and only a short drive from Brevard and Asheville, Earthshine Lodge is so much more than a place to stay. The 76-acre property is ideally located near Pisgah National Forest, Gorges State Park, Nantahala National Forest, and DuPont State Forest, providing access to all that Western North Carolina has to offer.
Embellish Asheville (Asheville, NC)
Embellish Asheville believes that indie-made jewelry, gifts and accessories shouldn’t cost a fortune to be unique or beautiful, or come from a big box store to be affordable. We strike the balance for you – all while providing an elevated shopping experience.
Maggie Valley Wellness Center (Maggie Valley, NC)
Maggie Valley Wellness offers high-quality, preventative and holistic modalities in the fields of massage, yoga, Ayurveda, skincare, and nail services. Our unique location situated on Jonathans creek allows our clients to connect with nature while experiencing their treatment of choice.
Paul Taylor Leather Company (Asheville, NC)
Paul Taylor Leather creates high quality hand made leather belts, handbags, wallets & custom sandals. We also specialize in collectible vintage belt buckles and sterling, turquoise, and regionally crafted jewelry.
Pawsitivity Pet Spa (Asheville, NC)
Pawsitivity Pet Spa is Asheville’s only one-on-one, holistic pet spa, with an emphasis on compassionate care in a calm environment. We provide exceptional grooming and exclusive spa services, and specialize in desensitization and rehabilitation for anxious pets.
Shay Brown Events Management (Asheville, NC)
SBE Management Group is a private venue management company founded by Shay Brown, Lead Planner and Founder of Shay Brown Events. Combining 20+ years of experience, community relationships, and a dedicated team, SBEM professionally manages boutique, independently owned, and operated venues in the Southeast.
Territory Design (Asheville, NC)
Territory is a grounded lifestyle brand for the modern world. We aim to help people transform their relationship to everyday material goods by offering goods and wares that are beautiful, functional and ethical.
While Odin Sleeps (Morganton, NC)
While Odin Sleeps offers statement jewelry, apparel, and home goods inspired by alternative subcultures for the elevated eclectic.
Widening Circles, PC (Asheville, NC)
Widening Circles is a private mental health and substance use disorder practice focused on providing individualized, intensive treatment in an outpatient setting. Utilizing an innovative, multidisciplinary team approach, our team offers comprehensive assessment and nimble care tailored to the needs of each client.
More details on the ScaleUp program can be found at ScaleUpWNC.com
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