Cristina Hall Ackley, co-founder and president of local Ginger’s Revenge, says a common challenge that new businesses face is finding affordable benefits packages for their employees.
Working together: Supporting the creation of new businesses
Local support and collaborations are often the lifeblood for new, small businesses. Such has been the case for local candle-making company Blaze On Creations, who has received donations and support from numerous other businesses in the area.
Sherree Lucas on the importance of buying local
“Asheville is an amazing place for local independent businesses because we have a culture that supports it,” says Lucas. “We need to continue to support, nurture and protect it.”
Working together: Having your back
Erik Fowler, who works as the head of education at White Labs, says that his company strives to go beyond being a traditional supplier by also providing technical advice and lending equipment.
What do data trends reveal about Asheville’s homestay market?
Xpress worked with Asheville-based data journalist Elliot Patterson to explore homestay permit data. The resulting analysis gives insights into how the market has changed over time, where homestays are located and who’s operating them.
Farm bill renewal raises questions for WNC farmers
Last month, Rep. Chuck Edwards convened a nine-member agricultural advisory board to provide a variety of perspectives as he advocates for the region’s interests in the farm bill.
WNC goatscaping services offer sustainable land management
Grazing goats are an increasingly popular means of eliminating invasive plants.
Harrison Greetings draws on the past
Greg Harrison is introducing his father Bill’s classic greeting card designs to a new generation.
Business, nonprofit roundup: BPR selects Laura Lee as news director
Lee joined BPR as interim news director in January after previously stints at Carolina Public Press and as a writer and education publication Edutopia.
Keep Asheville weird: Businesses try to maintain uniqueness amid city’s rapid growth
Small-business owners recognize that they not only add value but are a driving force behind the popularity of this quirky city.
Grant offers job training for low-income young adults after incarceration
When Phillip Cooper completed a prison sentence in 2010, he spent months applying for jobs that he was told would be available to those with a criminal record. But no one would give him a chance.
Down Town, Part 9: An old idea — the business improvement district — gets new life
“Here’s the way I look at Asheville: Every 10 years they want to rebuild the wheel,” says downtown resident Kim MacQueen. “It’s a town that’s really comfortable with charrettes.”
Nonprofit, business roundup: Cat cafe coming to West Asheville
House of Black Cat Magic will hold a grand opening from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 4.
Commissioners approve one-year ban on crypto mining
The measure had first been discussed publicly by the commissioners in February; at an April meeting, Commissioner Terri Wells said she’d floated the proposal to county staff after hearing complaints from Cherokee County residents about noise and pollution created by the facilities.
WNC lawmakers brace business community for polarizing session
With N.C. Republicans in the supermajority, lawmakers from Western North Carolina predict a wave of controversial bills to make their way through the legislature.
BCTDA seeks to waive part of penalty for bed-and-breakfast’s missing taxes
If the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners take the BCTDA’s recommendation, owner Dean Whiteford still will owe almost $6,000 in late fees in what was the largest waiver request several board members could remember seeing during their board tenure.
Q&A: Woman creates Mon-stors to ‘eat’ toys
“I knew that if I wanted my child to use whatever toy storage solution we had, it needed to be fun and like a game. “
Business, nonprofit roundup: New coworking space coming to Asheville
The new coworking space at 45 S. French Broad Ave includes 18 offices, 12 phone booths, 50 flex desks, a communal kitchen area and conference rooms.
Field of dreams: New farmers struggle to find land in WNC
New farmers piece together solutions in the face of out-of-reach property prices,
Local youths learn sewing, upcycling skills
Olivia Slosiarek was struggling to sew a collar on the bodice of a dress. “Why did you choose a supercomplicated dress?” Stina Andersen asked her young student with a smile. Slosiarek’s answer was thoughtful: She explained that something about the below-the-knee dress, depicted on a 1980s McCall’s pattern she found in Andersen’s classroom, appealed to […]
Woodfin board denies neighborhood appeal to halt Elk Mountain development
After several meetings and hours of debate, the Woodfin Board of Adjustments approves Elk Mountain development over objections from neighborhood group, Citizens for Responsible Land Use.