From the Publisher

from WNC Business Q2 | 2023

wnc’s small business landscape

Western North Carolina is a region that offers a plethora of creativity and uniqueness in so many ways. This area is full of entrepreneurs and creators, mountains and waterfalls, independent restaurants and outdoor activities, and opportunities for success in business.

As we remove our winter coats and prepare for the flurry of activity the warmer seasons bring, we are taking a deep dive into the industries that bring the ‘outside world’ to Western North Carolina to enjoy our unique region with us, namely Tourism, Craft Beverages & Breweries, and Outdoor Recreation & Summer Camps.

Each of these industries represents several layers of the appeal to the region, not only for visitors, but also for the influx of new residents coming to WNC. As people come here and experience the creative hotels and restaurants, brewers and makers, and trails and tours, they can see that each aspect plays a role in the area’s allure. At an Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce event this winter, about 50 people were in attendance when someone asked who in the room was originally from the area. No one raised their hand. Many of the people who have felt called to the region are business owners. Whether solopreneurs, small businesses owners, or digital nomads, the region is also unique in the vast variety of business-supporting resources available. Our Small Business feature article will share some tips and advice from a few of the area’s leading support organizations, information about starting and operating a business in North Carolina, and what new programs are helping those small businesses to grow and succeed.

This issue could have been three times the length, and still not covered all the exciting things that are happening in each of these industries. If you have business news or something you feel makes the region unique, we encourage you to visit WNCBusiness.com and share it with us.

May you all spend the season enjoying all of what makes WNC such an amazing place to live and work.

Brett Hulsey President & Publisher, Hulsey Media, Inc.

We would like to thank the fine businesses and organizations who have purchased advertising in our magazine, thereby helping us to bring you an attractive and informative publication. If have business or provide a service that would benefit from exposure in WNC Business Magazine, call to reserve a space in the next edition. 828-513-3888 Info@WNCBusiness.com

For 125 years, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has been committed to building a stronger community. Our initiatives and projects have stimulated economic development and supported the growth of thousands of local and regional businesses.

Today, we are the local champion for a balanced, thriving economy and connect businesses, large and small, to the resources they need to be successful.

We believe that together, we are more.

Today, we are the local champion for a balanced, thriving economy and connect businesses, large and small, to the resources they need to be successful.

We believe that together, we are more.

Discover all the ways the Asheville Chamber can grow your business and your community at: www.ashevillechamber.org

We believe that together, we are more.

Discover all the ways the Asheville Chamber can grow your business and your community at: www.ashevillechamber.org

• Chamber Challenge 5k, May 5th (Fun for all fitness levels)

• Annual Meeting, June 14th (Thebusiness event of the year)

• 125th Anniversary Celebration, Sept, 28th (Vote now for nonprofit grant recipients + Get tickets)

• Chamber Challenge 5k, May 5th (Fun for all fitness levels)

• Annual Meeting, June 14th (Thebusiness event of the year)

• 125th Anniversary Celebration, Sept, 28th (Vote now for nonprofit grant recipients + Get tickets)