Business Resources

Whether you are starting a new business or growing an existing one, Henderson County has plenty of resources that can help.

204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-692-1413

HendersonCountyChamber.org

Serving Henderson County since 1911, the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce welcomes all types and sizes of businesses from sole proprietorships to major industry. Its activities, supported by membership dues, influence all segments of community development, education, transportation, relocation, retirement, agriculture and small business. The Chamber advocates for business through public policy and new business recruitment and by providing member businesses with opportunities to network, learn and succeed.

330 N King Street, Hendersonville 828-692-6373

HCPED.org

The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development (HCPED) is a public/private partnership that focuses on economic stewardship in Henderson County. The mission of the Partnership is to create and retain quality jobs and increase industrial capital investments that will improve the quality of life for Henderson County residents.

HCPED serves as an advocate and resource partner to local businesses and has a legacy of meeting industry needs and making community connections to create a thriving, business friendly community. Through the Made in Henderson County (MIHC) initiative, the Partnership works closely with industry and the local school system and community college to create a workforce pipeline by raising the visibility of manufacturing careers. The flagship program, available to all Henderson County working adults, is the Made in Henderson County Apprenticeship. Learn more at MadeinHendersonCounty.com.

The Partnership also develops a robust marketing calendar to recruit like minded companies to the area. In 2020, its Target Market Analysis unveiled that manufacturing companies focusing on the following are ideal industries in Henderson County: health care, food and beverage, machinery and materials, professional and technical services, outdoor recreational goods and transportation components.

To successfully market the county, collaborations include working with the regional economic development marketing organization Carolina West, the Economic Development Partnership of NC and NC Department of Commerce.

Henderson County is a profitable and attractive community that is also an exceptional part of the country for businesses wishing to relocate or expand.

The Partnership works closely with local government, community organizations, local educators and utility/infrastructure partners to accomplish its mission. HCPED fosters relationships between all parties involved in helping the local workforce and economy thrive.

828-253-2834

MountainBizworks.org

Mountain BizWorks is a US Treasurycertified nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI). For more than 30 years, Mountain BizWorks has been making business loans ranging from $1,000 to $500,000 to small businesses in Western North Carolina who may find it difficult to secure funding from banks and other traditional sources. What makes Mountain BizWorks unique is that all loan decisions and relationships are managed locally. The organization works to ensure its clients’ success by offering highly customized, peer-to-peer business coaching by an extensive network of local, successful business owners. This innovative blend continued on page 122 of lending and learning helps entrepreneurs overcome obstacles, grow strategically and create jobs.

Mountain BizWorks exclusively serves the 26 westernmost counties of North Carolina – including Henderson County – with offices in Asheville and Boone.

By appointment only at Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, 204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-693-8702

WesternNC.SCORE.org

SCORE has been mentoring new and existing businesses nationwide since 1964 and has a network of more than 13,000 volunteers who donate their time to help entrepreneurs. As experienced business professionals, SCORE mentors deliver valuable, timely and practical advice free and confidentially. SCORE Western North Carolina serves eight counties in southwest North Carolina, including Henderson County. A variety of blogs, webinars, and courses for businesses at a variety of stages are offered online for free. One-on-one and team counseling sessions are by appointment. Volunteer opportunities for seasoned business owners in mentor positions are also available. To sign up for counseling, go to SCORE.org and go to “Find a Mentor”.

Henderson County Campus, 180 W Campus Drive, Flat Rock 828-694-1658

BlueRidge.edu/Programs-Courses/Business/ Small-Business-Center

The Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College is part of the Small Business Center Network which is composed of Small Business Centers throughout North Carolina that support the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being community-based providers of training, counseling and resource information. It serves to help realize dreams of owning a business or making a current business more profitable. The Small Business Center can connect individuals with free local, regional, state and national resources to aid in business planning and offers counseling as well as conferences and seminars related to starting and growing a small business. Services provided also can be customized to suit specific business needs.

323 N Main St, Suite 1, Hendersonville 828-513-3888

WNCBusiness.com

WNC Business is a free resource with a mission to Connect, Inform, and Inspire the local business community via a quarterly magazine, a weekday email newsletter and up-to-date online business information. The publication shares relevant business news, pro tips, people to know, announcements from businesses around the region, business events and many additional resources that may be useful to business owners, community leaders and industry professionals across Western North Carolina. WNC Business also offers a free interactive online business directory and connects with the local business community on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.