Business Buzz: 5/15/20

May 15, 2020

In honor of National Small Business Week, May 3 to May 9, the Carolina Small Business Development Fund and the Western Women’s Business Center recognized small business leaders across the state of North Carolina. One of those leaders was Asheville’s own Kaye Bentley, owner and founder of Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours, who earned the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. According to the Carolina Small Business Development Fund, the Entrepreneur of the Year Award “goes to a business owner that has exhibited innovation in their business model and social responsibility in their execution.” Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours is also the Asheville Chamber’s Small Business of the Month for May 2020. Congrats, Kaye!

Award 

  • McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture has been named Engineering News-Record Southeast’s Design Firm of the Year. They are a planning, architectural, and interior design firm that aims to create environments that embody their clients’ personalities and enhance communities.  ENR has been a benchmark publication for the design and construction industry for more than 100 years. Engineering News-Record is a benchmark publication for design and construction, and their annual winners are chosen for a combination of  company growth, design portfolio, community engagement, and innovation.
  • Jennifer Pharr Davis of Blue Ridge Hiking Company recently released a biopic film called “Positive Forward Motion” with Asheville videographer Chris Gallaway, and it is an official selection for the International Women’s Adventure and Wild and Scenic Film Festivals. Watch on Youtube: and shameless plug: register for our WomanUP spring workshop to see her speak!
  • Living Roofs, an Asheville-based small design firm, has been featured in several recent publications for their work. Our State recognized them as one of six notable N.C. companies that focus on sustainability and environmental friendliness. Living Roofs designs and installs living roofs, walls, and more; examples of their work can be seen in Curate in Asheville. To learn more about their beautiful designs, read their full-length feature in Capital At Play.
  • In honor of National Small Business Week, May 3 to May 9, the Carolina Small Business Development Fund and the Western Women’s Business Center recognized small business leaders across the state of North Carolina. One of those leaders was Asheville’s own Kaye Bentley, owner and founder of Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours, who earned the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. According to the Carolina Small Business Development Fund, the Entrepreneur of the Year Award “goes to a business owner that has exhibited innovation in their business model and social responsibility in their execution.” Bentley says she is honored to receive this recognition. Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours is also the Asheville Chamber’s Small Business of the Month for May 2020. Congrats, Kaye!

Community 

  • Mast General Store started reopening their stores in phases this week. The reopenings are based on several criteria: whether that reopening is allowed by state and local regulations, proper cleaning protocol, and store confidence. As those benchmarks are met, Mast General Store says that they will add daily employee health screenings, increased cleaning, and more to daily store protocol to keep employees and shoppers safe. The Asheville location will reopen on May 25th.
  • The Adventure Center of Asheville has announced their reopening schedule for May and the Phase 1 state reopening policy. Starting on Wednesday, May 20, the Treetops Adventure Park and KidZip will re-open.  On May 22, the Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures will re-open.  Kolo Bike Park will remain open. All activities will open with amended attendance and schedules, extensive COVID-19 protocols (face coverings required), and new social distancing and cleaning procedures.  Find the latest information here.
  • On Wedneday, May 20th, join two local sports authorities for a webinar on Re-opening Sports in Buncombe County Pat Ryan from the Wise Guys and David Brown of Piedmont Officials Association will share thoughts on how the pandemic will affect high school sports, whether spectators will be allowed, officiating games remotely, and more.
  • Do you like to help people and save lives? If so, American Red Cross has  Blood Donor Screener roles that could be perfect for you. As a Blood Donor Screener for the American Red Cross, you will help provide excellent customer service to enhance the blood donor experience. Volunteers must only commit to one 5-6 hour shift per month. To learn more, email Adrian at adrian.mines@redcross.org. The Red Cross will provide proper PPE for all volunteers during their shift.

Funding 

  • The Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund will be open for applications applications today through Sunday, May 31. The $5 million COVID-19 relief fund was authorized by the North Carolina General Assembly and created by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority with occupancy tax revenue dedicated for tourism product development. The program is administered by Mountain BizWorks, a local, nonprofit small business and economic development agency experienced in managing emergency funds. Learn more about eligibility and apply online.
  • The Center for Craft has announced the Craft Futures Fund, a new grant opportunity that will support craft communities and their creative responses to COVID-19. These one-time, unrestricted grants of $5,000 will be disbursed to craft-based education projects that seed resilience, foster community, and amplify impact. Up to six project grants, or $30,000, will be awarded each month from May through October of this year. Head to their website to learn more.

Resources

  • Next Advisor has created a guide for Launching a Small Business in Tough Economic Times. The guide includes information on funding options, whether or not to use credit cards, and more. The guide is free, and you can read it online.
  • More local families will be able to put food on the table and receive childcare assistance, thanks to a generous donation from First Horizon Bank. First Horizon Bank recently donated $15,000 to the YMCA of WNC to support coronavirus-related response efforts, including feeding programs and emergency childcare.  “The Y has always looked for gaps in the community to serve the needs of others,” said Kevin Hefner, area president of First Horizon Bank. “The Y is demonstrating incredible compassion by providing fresh groceries and distributing meals to senior citizens and families of essential workers. This is community service in action.”
  • JM Leadership Consulting, a mentorship company for students, emerging leaders, and high potential employees, has published a new book to help individuals maximize their potential in the workplace. In addition, they also have a podcast series available that is designed to provide helpful tips, thought-provoking principles, and easy-to-implement steps to effective improve leadership mindset. Learn more about JM Leadership Consulting and available services on their website.