The greater Asheville, NC region is focused on supporting its next generation of businesses by providing support programs tailor-made for the area’s assets and creating the culture and connections for entrepreneurs to thrive. The region provides important lessons for local governments pursuing entrepreneurship efforts, specifically the importance of having the right staff and partners, playing the role of connector and doing your homework before creating new programs.
Mike Rangel, who started Asheville Brewing in 1999, says that Asheville is a “BOYJ – Bring Your Own Job” community. It attracts individuals who are looking to start their own business. If you walk around downtown Asheville, which is practically wallpapered in “Buy Local” stickers, you certainly feel some of the same vibes as other entrepreneurship capitals; like a smaller Austin with an Appalachian twist.
To read the original article: Asheville’s Efforts to Support and Attract Entrepreneurs
