Applications are now open for Mountain BizWorks‘ fifteenth ScaleUp WNC cohort. ScaleUp is Mountain BizWorks’ flagship growth program for established Western North Carolina small businesses with strong growth and scale potential. Interested companies should apply to join the ScaleUp cohort by Thursday, January 14, 2027. The program begins March 12, 2027.
Since its launch in 2015, ScaleUp WNC has served 14 cohorts of more than 200 WNC companies from all corners of Mountain BizWorks’ 26-county region. “Every year we see WNC businesses that are ready to grow but need the right structure, coaching, and capital access to get there,” shared Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith, Business Growth Specialist. “ScaleUp gives them a clear path to build a strategic growth plan and put it into action. Plus, they’re backed by hands-on support from peers and experts the whole way through.”
“Much of Western North Carolina’s economic dynamism comes from existing businesses scaling up, yet so many programs are geared toward startups,” said Matt Raker, Executive Director of Mountain BizWorks. “That’s where ScaleUp comes in. It’s a resource uniquely focused on our region’s business owners who have demonstrated success and really have an opportunity to grow.”
Cohort members will progress through the program together, learning alongside peer entrepreneurs who understand the challenges that come with business growth. The program includes a kickoff event, eight core concept sessions, and 10 hours of one-on-one technical assistance and mentoring.
Up to 15 regionally headquartered businesses will be accepted into the 2027 program. Businesses must meet the following eligibility standards:
- Be a for-profit company based in one of Western North Carolina’s 26 counties
- Have been in business for at least two years
- Ideally have annual revenues between $150,000 and $2,500,000
- Have at least one full-time employee (can include founder or owner positions)
- Have identified opportunities for business expansion
For more information about ScaleUp, including evaluation criteria, visit ScaleUpWNC.com.
Special thanks to ScaleUp presenting sponsors First Horizon Foundation, Redefine Alliance, and Roberts Impact Investing Fund: Appalachian Growth Fund. Thanks also to supporting sponsors Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts, First National Bank, Integrative Family Medicine of Asheville, Intrinsic Construction, McGuire Wood & Bissette Law Firm, Mountain BizWorks’ Market Advisors, Optimist Ventures, and Venture Asheville.
