Exploring our area\u2019s local, independent businesses, you\u2019ll discover a variety of products and services, from handmade arts and crafts to locally sourced food, and everything in between. One way that we can foster the growth of such unique offerings is by supporting local.<\/p>\n
Heidi Reiber, director of research for the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, says, \u201cThe Asheville area inherently attracts innovative thinkers and creative makers through its natural outdoor assets and distinctive, unique character. Locally-owned businesses often represent the character the region takes prides in. When you use your spending power to buy from a local business, more of your money stays in the community where the purchase was made.\u201d<\/p>\n
This is one key idea for Asheville Grown Business Alliance. Among their initiatives is the Go Local Card (ashevillegrown.com). More than 440 participating businesses offer specials and discounts to cardholders. The card is also a fundraiser for the city\u2019s public schools.<\/p>\n
\u201cOverwhelming evidence shows that by supporting and growing locally-owned businesses, we create a stronger, more resilient and fair economy,\u201d says Franzi Charen, director of Asheville Grown. \u201cThe most significant contributors of income, wealth, jobs and equality are businesses local to the community\u2026 Yet traditional economic development focuses on luring companies from outside our community, which burdens taxpayers and tips the playing field dramatically in favor of large businesses\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
There are other programs that can help support local. Heidi says Asheville has landed on a few lists for \u201cbest startup cities.\u201d According to Heidi, \u201cNumerous resources and tools for startups, as well as expansions, are organized to provide support.\u201d Among these programs is Venture Asheville, the high-growth entrepreneurship initiative of the Economic Development Coalition, an arm of the Asheville Chamber. It focuses on catalyzing Asheville\u2019s high-growth entrepreneurial ecosystem and connecting entrepreneurs with start-up funding, mentors, and talent to scale their ventures.<\/p>\n
Incorporated in 2013, Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) is another important resource, currently serving 117 member restaurants in Buncombe County (airasheville.org). Since the beginning, Michel Baudouin, of Bouchon, has been one of the leaders in AIR\u2019s success. He says local businesses also make a point of giving back to the community, often donating food for charitable events. \u201cWe don\u2019t need authorization from a corporate office in another state,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re an organization providing resources, a business supporting another business, or an individual shopping at independent stores, there are many ways to support local and watch our community grow in the right direction.<\/p>\n
Above: Persnickety Maid Cleaning Service<\/a> at Art on Depot<\/a> in Waynesville (Photo by Ashley Ruzich<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Exploring our area\u2019s local, independent businesses, you\u2019ll discover a variety of products and services, from handmade arts and crafts to locally sourced food, and everything in between. One way that […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":3549,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[56,57,89],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3725","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-archives","category-lifestyle","category-locally-made"],"yoast_head":"\n