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Black Business Alliance

Together, we rise. Together, we thrive

You’re building a business. We’re here to help you thrive.

The Black Business Alliance supports Black-owned businesses in Asheville and Buncombe County through advocacy, training and connection, ensuring you have the resources, relationships and voice needed for long-term success.

By participating in the Black Business Alliance initiative, you’ll become part of a network that’s committed to your success.

Joining the Asheville Chamber as a business member also opens opportunities for your business to build strong connections and grow your business.

The Black Business Alliance offers programs tailored to Black-owned businesses.

Learning Series:

The Black Business Alliance Learning Series offers professional development and resources. Programs include helpful tools and takeaways for businesses just getting started up as well as those who are well established but looking to improve processes, perspectives and production.

Access to Capital Accelerator Series
This series is designed to equip minority-owned and small business with the knowledge, connections and tools needed to successfully access funding.

**All businesses are welcome. (Chamber members and non-members)**

Attending the entire series is encouraged but not required.

• Thurs. May 14, 2026: Capital Landscape 101: Who Has Capital & How It Flows
• Thurs. June 11, 2026: Getting Capital-Ready
• Thurs. July 9, 2026: Alternative Capital Pathways
• Thurs. Aug. 6, 2026: Storytelling & Pitching for Capital
• Thurs. Sept. 3, 2026: Real-Time Lending & Office Hours
• Thurs. Oct. 8, 2026: Scaling & Long-Term Capital Strategy

Those who attend all six sessions will receive a completion certificate.

Hosted in partnership with SBTDC, Carolina Small Business Development Fund, Eagle Market Street Development Corporation, City of Asheville Business Inclusion Office, Mountain BizWorks, Venture Asheville (the Chamber’s high-growth entrepreneurship initiative) Kudzu Brands and J.D. Ellison & Company.

Recognition Programs

The Black-Owned Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Givens Communities, recognizes a Black-owned business that demonstrates strong performance, innovation, and meaningful impact in the Asheville community. Presented at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, this award celebrates a business that contributes to the local economy, creates opportunity, and shows a commitment to service and growth. Self-nominations accepted. Nominations for 2026 Award are due April 3rd.

Submit a nomination for Black-owned Business of the Year

Plans are also underway for a Black Business Alliance Awards Celebration in 2027 to highlight successes and significant milestones of Black businesses along with individuals and companies that have contributed to the work and growth of individuals within Black businesses and the community.

The Black Business Alliance of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to empowering Black entrepreneurs and business owners through advocacy, training and connections. We hope to create opportunities for growth and relationship building and offer inclusive programming that provides access to essential resources while ensuring that Black-owned businesses have the support systems and voice to thrive in Asheville and Buncombe County.

We envision a vibrant, diverse Asheville where Black-owned businesses are integral to the region’s economic strength — thriving, innovating and leading in a community that values equity, opportunity and shared prosperity.

Participants

Andre Daugherty, Owner, Pro 16 Productions: “Joining the Asheville Chamber is one of the best decisions I ever made for my business. It helped to connect me not only with established businesses, but with new and aspiring minority entrepreneurs like myself needing only the right opportunities to shine, and the Asheville Chamber helped to provide those opportunities.”

Ava Smith, President and CEO of Flat Fee Recruiting: “Being a Minority-Owned and Woman-Owned business, I knew that joining the Asheville Chamber of Commerce would be a strategic move for my company’s growth. The Chamber is at the heart of a thriving business community, ensuring that entrepreneurs like me have access to valuable resources, connections and opportunities. From the moment I became a member, I felt welcomed and included. The Chamber’s intentional approach to networking has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with like-minded professionals who are also focused on scaling and success. Beyond that, their commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that my voice is heard and that I truly benefit from this strong ecosystem of entrepreneurs and leaders. Through the Chamber, I have gained invaluable support, insights, and connections that continue to elevate my business. If you’re looking for a place where you can grow, thrive, and be part of a powerful network, the Asheville Chamber is where you need to be.”

Shawn Smart, Owner of Smart Shawn Consulting: “The Black Business Alliance didn’t just open doors, it reminded me I already had the keys. As a creative, a connector and a community builder, the Chamber helped amplify my voice, my vision and my village. It’s more than networking; it’s legacy-building.”

The Black Business Alliance is a program of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Meet Our Committee:

Chair: Ava Smith, Flat Fee Recruiting

Andre Daugherty, Pro.16 Productions
Shawn Smart, Smart Shawn Consulting
Esther Cartwright, AvL Technologies
Marcus Kirkman, City of Asheville
Keynon Lake, My Daddy Taught Me That
Lucious Wilson, Mountain BizWorks
Jefferson Ellison, JD Ellison and Company

Black Business Alliance

Together, we rise. Together, we thrive

Participants

Meet Our Committee:

Thank you to our sponsors!