Faces in the crowd: WNC crowdfunding initiatives

Image from Asheville Academy of Art's Kickstarter page

Crowdfunding platforms make it possible for individuals and organizations of any size to harness social networks and raise start-up capital for projects that might otherwise fail due to lack of funding. Each week, Xpress highlights notable WNC crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd.

BROWN MOUNTAIN BOTTLE WORKS

“If you have a beer lasting more than four hours, please visit a bartender,” advises Kory Suttles in his comical Kickstarter video. Suttles intends to become Morganton’s newest and nearest “purveyor of high quality craft beer and fine wines” by opening Brown Mountain Bottleworks, a family-friendly bottle shop where beverages are available to stay or to go. The venue will eventually double as a community space, offering classes and events relating to the craft beer industry. As an added bonus, a $1,500 Kickstarter contribution buys the right to shave the owners’ beards on opening day. Suttles aims to raise $10,000 by Oct. 13, to cover complete building renovations, purchase bar equipment, establish initial inventory and buy two razors.

ASHEVILLE ACADEMY OF ART

Artist James Daniel has “spent the last 25 years capturing life on paper and canvas,” and his reverence for traditional painting and drawing techniques means he makes the bulk of his materials (like high quality oil-based paints and panels) in-house. Daniel is determined to prevent these methodologies from waning over time, so he has started the Asheville Academy of Art to provide beginner and advanced artists with foundational art skills that manifest quickly over the course of his program. Daniel aims to raise $12,000 by Oct. 8, to advertise, improve his school’s facilities and purchase materials like easels, casts and stands.

Send your crowdsourcing campaign news to kmcreynolds@mountainx.com. A limited number of campaigns will be highlighted each week, at Xpress’ discretion. Campaigns must be locally based and should represent a current project with an achievable goal. Conditions are subject to change.

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About Kat McReynolds
Kat studied entrepreneurship and music business at the University of Miami and earned her MBA at Appalachian State University. Follow me @katmAVL

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