Applications are now open for the 7th Catalyst Cohort, a business growth program for under-resourced entrepreneurs. Since 2020, Catalyst Cohorts have nurtured more than 60 entrepreneurs ready to take their businesses to the next level. Applications for this round will be accepted from August 24 through September 25, 2026. Catalyst Cohorts pair entrepreneurs with a…
Small businesses still climbing back from Hurricane Helene just got some breathing room. On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Governor Josh Stein signed House Bill 268 into law, extending the 1% low-rate window on WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund loans by another six months. The WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund* was launched ten days…
The 2026 Local Business Impact Survey found 3 out of 4 small businesses are still earning at or below pre-Helene revenue. Yet, two years after Hurricane Helene, the entrepreneurs of Western North Carolina are doing what they do best: building businesses, creating opportunity, and strengthening the communities they call home. Entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable resilience…
Applications are now open for Mountain BizWorks’ Catalyst Building Resiliency Micro-Grant Program. This new round of funding is designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs and small business owners who face barriers to accessing traditional capital across Western North Carolina. Applications will be accepted through Monday, August 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. This grant funding is part…
The Asheville Recovers Together Small Business Grants Program application window closed Tuesday, July 14 at noon. Businesses across Asheville submitted 771 applications. They collectively requested more than $42.4 million in recovery funding, providing evidence of Helene-related loss and plans for robust recovery. The program will distribute grants of $5,000 to $75,000 to help small businesses…
Every year, Mountain BizWorks honors a coach who carries forward the spirit of Jane Renfroe in coaching excellence and compassion. This year, that honor goes to Trevor Baker. About the Award Mountain BizWorks began the Jane Renfroe Coach of the Year award to honor the memory of Jane Renfroe, who served as a coach and…
Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop.
