5/23/2013
A new study shows entrepreneurship is growing.
Details
5/21/2013
Noble Cider announces release party Wednesday June 5 at Wedge Brewing in Asheville
Details
4/17/2013
The Advantage Opportunity Fund started in 2007 with $40,000 and thus far has provided seed-stage loans to 26 high-growth startups in the region.
Details
4/15/2013
May 31 is the deadline to apply for Accelerate Appalachia, with opportunities for 14 entrepreneurs.
Details
3/19/2013
Kara Errickson, an Advantage Opportunity Fund loan client who uses the Natural Products Manufacturing Facility at Blue Ridge Food Ventures to make her product, Skinfare, shares her success.
Details
3/18/2013
The Advantage Opportunity Fund has loaned $1.1 million to entrepreneurs in WNC.
Details
3/5/2013
Brent Manning co-founded Riverbend Malt House to bring local grains to North Carolina-made beers.
Details
2/25/2013
Media coverage of National Entrepreneurship Week includes interviews with area entrepreneurs and the AdvantageWest VP of Entrepreneurship, Matt Raker.
Details
1/17/2013
Deadline for the "Spark Tank" logo is February 9. Get details here.
Details
1/2/2013
Advantage Opportunity Fund client CoCoChi, which uses the AdvantageWest agribusiness incubator Blue Ridge Food Ventures, is featured in this case study.
Details
12/30/2012
Cherokee County company Native Touch taps the healing power of plants.
Details
12/2/2012
Asheville Radio Group News Director Bill McClement interviews AdvantageWest's Emily Breedlove about the Dec. 7 Venture Local Conference.
Details
12/1/2012
A preview of the Venture Local conference from the public affairs program, "Changes," and an interview with AdvantageWest VP of Entrepreneurship, Matt Raker.
Details
11/27/2012
Noble Cider vies to be the first company to bring hard cider to the area.
Details
11/25/2012
More on BREC's Venture Local conference, coming Dec. 7!
Details
11/13/2012
One of the most popular events of the year is coming up Nov. 19. Learn more here.
Details
10/4/2012
Contest seeks best new food product or service idea in NC.
Details
9/21/2012
Ty Hallock, owner of TopFloorStudio, shares how his business continues to succeed.
Details
9/20/2012
WWNC interviews AdvantageWest President & CEO Scott Hamilton on three upcoming events targeting entrepreneurs.
Details
9/20/2012
Sign up today to attend this great event where you'll hear from several WNC entrepreneurs. See you there!
Details
9/18/2012
Founder of the Living Building Challenge is featured guest on Sept 28 - sign up today!
Details
9/18/2012
Enter "The Big Tasty" by Oct 15 for a shot at cash and services valued at $10,000.
Details
9/14/2012
Asheville Citizen-Times profile of local entrepreneurial company, Maddie Hayes Naturals. Business uses the natural products manufacturing facility at Blue Ridge Food Ventures to make an all-natural insect repellent and lip balm.
Details
8/23/2012
Have an innovative new business concept or an opportunity to grow your existing business? Apply by September 30 to the second annual BREC Breakthrough Challenge.
Details
7/18/2012
Blue Ridge Biofuels, AdvantageWest, Biltmore Estate and other partners have been awarded a $130,000 grant from the Biofuels Center of North Carolina for a yearlong study of the F3 or “Field to Fryer to Fuel” program.
Details
6/20/2012
AdvantageWest's Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council is mentioned as one resource for supporting new business.
Details
5/11/2012
Article about "entrepreneurial laboratories" includes AdvantageWest's Certified Entrepreneurial Program.
Details
5/11/2012
Chocolate maker UliMana gets more national exposure.
Details
4/19/2012
The Charlotte Chamber has invited members of the creative economy to an event on April 25 called "Creative Crowdshare" to build connections, share information and generate ideas for the Democratic National Convention Creative Hub
Details
4/7/2012
Cheers to Oscar Wong, Asheville brew pioneer, for winning this tremendous award.
Details
3/26/2012
View or download this report that includes a look at economic outlook and trends, NC small business facts, and business rankings for the state.
Details
3/23/2012
Woody Harrelson becomes a fan of Buchi kombucha, made by recipients of a loan from the AdvantageWest Advantage Opportunity Fund.
Details
3/20/2012
SylvanSport founder Thomas Dempsey learned last summer that a product similar to one he'd patented was being made in China when a customer sent him a link to a Chinese company's website
Details
3/17/2012
Producer and marketer of Do-More Bars claims $10,000 first prize
Details
2/27/2012
AdvantageWest's Matt Raker, VP of Entrepreneurship & AdvantageGreen, was featured on the public affairs program, "Changes," airing on the Clear Channel Asheville family of radio stations.
Details
2/23/2012
Here's one of four live interviews that aired on News 13 This Morning, featuring local entrepreneurs and AdvantageWest's VP of Entrepreneurship Matt Raker.
Details
2/21/2012
Asheville’s efforts to support local entrepreneurs, and draw new risk-takers to town, is getting a huge boost with two big events coming later this year.
Details
2/14/2012
Good news about regional entrepreneurs, plus meet our new Entrepreneurship Program Manager.
Details
2/9/2012
By creating beautiful hand made furniture they have won the opportunity to compete with 9 other businesses and need your help to win 25 TV spots on the Travel Channel!
Details
2/7/2012
Blue Ridge Biofuels won first place and $5,000 in the first Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council competition.
Details
1/11/2012
Blog entry about AdvantageWest’s CEC program, from a very well-known and respected Ohio company, JumpStart.
Details
1/2/2012
Unique program recognizes documented commitment to encourage and support entrepreneurship
Details
12/29/2011
The director of the Technology Commercialization Center at AB Tech Enka Campus looks for entrepreneurs who are passionate about a technology, service or product and about building a business.
Details
12/29/2011
Chris Sullivan did not just create a better bagel, she designed a different business model for her start-up company, Home Free Bagels, to benefit the community.
Details
12/28/2011
Even in hard times, a growing number of entrepreneurs in Western North Carolina launched new ventures and started creating paychecks.
Details
12/14/2011
Sock-maker DeFeet, based in Hildebran, is honored as Business North Carolina’s ‘Small Business of the Year.”
Details
12/7/2011
About 100 entrepreneurs and potential financial backers came together to discuss the burgeoning local-business movement at Venture Local.
Details
11/27/2011
Company is a recipient of funding from AdvantageWest's Advantage Opportunity Fund, and also won BREC's business plan competition in May 2011.
Details
11/6/2011
This business column features two of our Advantage Opportunity Fund clients, Kara Errickson and Jason Scholder.
Details
11/6/2011
About 200 entrepreneurs gathered recently to talk about ways to link local businesses and build a stronger economy.
Details
11/3/2011
Business Insider looks at broadband accessibility, workforce, a vibrant local economy, and the presence of a small college or university in making its selections.
Details
11/2/2011
Rapid growth in the region of entrepreneur-driven, eco-friendly companies is the foundation for this initiative focused on fostering the formation of more clean-energy companies in the area.
Details
10/30/2011
Two regional entrepreneurs discuss the clean energy economy in WNC.
Details
10/27/2011
Polk County is among a growing number of communities in the AdvantageWest region that have earned CEC certification indicating they are "entrepreneur-ready."
Details
10/23/2011
An editorial by AdvantageWest VP of Entrepreneurship & AdvantageGreen Matt Raker.
Details
10/23/2011
Entrepreneur hatches his business with the help of AdvantageWest.
Details
10/22/2011
Listen to podcasts of interviews about Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council's 'Venture Local' forum, which aired recently on 880AM The Revolution and public radio WNCW-FM.
Details
9/25/2011
Entrepreneurism thrives in the microbrewery industry
Details
9/23/2011
Mark your calendar for a forum promoting local entrepreneurship opportunities across WNC.
Details
9/12/2011
Article mentions AdvantageWest's Advantage Opportunity Fund.
Details
8/21/2011
Profile of regional entrepreneur Tom Dempsey and his company, SylvanSport.
Details
8/21/2011
Where do entrepreneurs go to start their ventures? Here's a rundown.
Details
8/16/2011
This exciting opportunity is part business plan competition and part strategic assistance program, presented by BREC and the Tech 20/20 Center for Entrepreneurial Growth.
Details
8/1/2011
Mark your calendar for these opportunities for learning, networking and sharing in August and September.
Details
6/21/2011
Haywood Co Chamber of Commerce honors Kanini's, a food business offering all natural, frozen foods-to-go and more.
Details
6/7/2011
Director of green economy initiative to also oversee entrepreneurial development for AdvantageWest
Details
6/3/2011
Senior VP of Entrepreneurial Development Pam Lewis resigns after a decade of service.
Details
5/6/2011
What was everyone tweeting about at Carolina Connect 11? Find out here.
Details
4/28/2011
Meet the game changers at the May 5 conference for entrepreneurs
Details
3/15/2011
Visit the AdvantageWest newsletter page to download a PDF.
Details
3/6/2011
Article profiles several WNC entrepreneurs and mentions AdvantageWest's Certified Entrepreneurial Communities program.
Details
3/3/2011
WNC entrepreneur participates in national launch of Startup America
Details
2/26/2011
Free event sponsored by the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County.
Details
2/11/2011
Events at SW Community College and AB Tech on March 7.
Details
1/31/2011
Attention, women-owned businesses: Are you an established business that wants to expand? A would-be entrepreneur with a great idea for a startup? Enter the VERVE-aciously BIG Idea Business Plan Competition for a chance at $10,000 in cash, prizes, business support services and expert advice, sponsored by AdvantageWest & VERVE Magazine.
Details
1/26/2011
"How to Choose a Small-Business Incubator"
Details
12/1/2010
Branding and sustainability strategist Neil Gurney leads the discussion at the Dec 14 networking event. Sign up now!
Details
11/19/2010
Troy Tolle, of DigitalChalk in Asheville, is featured in an article about entrepreneurism in today's economy.
Details
11/1/2010
North Carolina enjoyed an increase of 0.5% in small business employment in October, according to a study by financial software maker Intuit Inc, tying the state with Virginia for the second best improvement. Massachusetts was No. 1 with 0.6% growth.
Details
10/27/2010
Hear the successes and challenges of a successful entrepreneur and his green business
Details
10/26/2010
Hear a radio podcast featuring AdvantageWest Sr VP for Entrepreneurial Development Pam Lewis along with BREC speaker Chris Yura, CEO of SustainU.
Details
10/22/2010
Listen to an interview with Chris Yura, CEO of SustainU, who will be the special guest at the next BREC Forum, and AdvantageWest Sr VP Entrepreneurial Development Pam Lewis. Registrations still available
Details
10/11/2010
Report covers 22 counties from Ashe, Watauga, Caldwell, Burke and Cleveland west.
Details
10/4/2010
Sign up today! Serial entrepreneur, author, speaker, worldwide connector and marketing pundit Peter Shankman is coming to WNC!
Details
10/1/2010
Young Entrepreneur Award applications are due Dec. 15.
Details
8/13/2010
AdvantageWest meets with county leaders about the Certified Entrepreneurial Communities program.
Details
7/22/2010
Free event is Aug. 25 at McDowell Tech in Marion, presented by Congressman Heath Shuler.
Details
7/2/2010
"Ask the Experts" features AdvantageWest and other organizations that provide counseling and financial assistance to current/prospective business owners. Two sessions: July 12 at Blue Ridge Community College; July 13 at Haywood Community College.
Details
6/4/2010
Students develop software application to help users discover leisure ideas and activities
Details
5/26/2010
Lone Eagle Award and new Advantage Innovation Award recognize excellence and innovation.
Details
5/21/2010
Winner of the annual competition for collegiate entrepreneurs will be announced soon.
Details
5/19/2010
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians earns Certified Entrepreneurial Community status from AdvantageWest.
Details
5/15/2010
Miss Carolina Connect 2010? Here's a glimpse at what everyone's talking about!
Details
5/12/2010
AdvantageWest presents the 7th Carolina Connect conference on May 13. REGISTRATION AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR ON MAY 13 STARTING AT 7:30 AM.
Details
5/10/2010
Listen to a podcast of a radio interview on May 7 during the 2nd hour of Local Edge Radio with Blake and Lesley. Learn what you can expect at the May 13 Carolina Connect!
Details
5/7/2010
The most highly anticipated event of the year for entrepreneurs and investors is May 13 at Asheville Renaissance downtown. Register today!
Details
4/12/2010
BREC invites nominations fpr the Lone Eagle Entrepreneur of Excellence Award and the new Innovation Advantage Award. *DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS APRIL 30.*
Details
4/7/2010
BREC is seeking sponsors for the 2010 Carolina Connect Conference. Learn how to take advantage of this excellent opportunity.
Details
1/27/2010
Click here to view presentations from the January 26 BREC forum on the 2010 Economic Outlook.
Details
1/22/2010
Next BREC forum takes place Jan. 26
Details
12/31/2009
More than $8 million is available for entrepreneurial, job-creating ventures statewide. Pre-proposals are due Jan. 19.
Details
12/15/2009
Top award goes to Wilkes County company; runners-up from Buncombe.
Details
11/30/2009
“Southern Fresh with Tim & Jan” is a new television series starting native North Carolinians Tim Haas, a chef, and Jan Kirby, a master gardener. The public is invited to an advance viewing of the first episode of “Southern Fresh” at a black tie-optional event, Dec. 5 at J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir.
Details
10/11/2009
The next Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council forum focuses on creativity. Join us Oct. 20 at Asheville Renaissance. Preregistration required.
Details
9/4/2009
Join us for a presentation by Logan Metcalfe as he discusses how to customize a financing strategy to match your business needs.
Details
8/15/2009
BREC and Mountain BizWorks present FastTrac(R), a practical, hands-on business development program designed to help entrepreneurs hone the skills needed to create, manage and grow a successful business.
Details
6/22/2009
North Carolina banks are putting out sizable amounts of loans to small businesses, and one of the state’s most recognized industry organizations is leading the way.
Details
5/21/2009
The Watauga County Economic Development Commission and Boone Area Chamber of Commerce celebrate the county's new status as a Certified Entrepreneurial Community(SM), an AdvantageWest designation that acknowledges local efforts to help people start their own small businesses.
Details
4/1/2009
Hundreds of tech-savvy angel investors, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs looking for the next big thing converge at InnoVenture, including Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council member Jute and the App State winners of AdvantageWest’s national Juicy Ideas collegiate competition.
Details
3/17/2009
SXSW is a hotspot for creative entrepreneurs – including members from BREC who attended the annual Austin, Texas conference and festival.
Details
3/10/2009
BREC Announces First Women - Only Networking Forum. You asked for it and we listened.
Details
1/12/2009
Details
10/29/2008
As the age of industry in rural NC comes to a close, however, Haywood County officials aren’t exactly waiting around for the grand finale.
Details
10/24/2008
Haywood County is the first community in the United States to be named a CERTIFIED ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNITY
Details
10/21/2008
While Americans believe entrepreneurism is the engine that will drive the U.S. out of its current economic slump, few are willing to start businesses themselves, a new study says.
Details
10/21/2008
Address the current economy, discuss ways to stabilize and sustain current market share and provide a blueprint for a dynamic breakout strategy designed to seize overlooked opportunities that currently exist.
Details
9/11/2008
WRAL.LocalTechWire.com
September 11, 2008
Details
9/10/2008
Mountain Xpress
September 10, 2008
Details
9/1/2008
NC Magazine
September 2008
Details
8/28/2008
The Appalachian
August 28, 2008
Details
8/27/2008
GSA Technology Council
August 27, 2008
Details
8/26/2008
Attention, college-aged entrepreneurs: Get your creative juices flowing, help the environment and win a trip to Google headquarters in California - Register by September 10,
Details
8/26/2008
Nationally recognized authors and business experts to keynote Sept. 11 conference, with sessions on business planning, marketing, financing, start-up management and investing
Details
5/12/2008
Details
5/1/2008
Today's entrepreneurs deserve to have it all - from the convenience of operating at the "speed of business" to experiencing a "natural high life" each day.
Details
4/14/2008
The social network provides important lessons for executives - and a key forum for innovation and experimentation
Details
4/1/2008
Featured on CNN - Asheville, NC is one of the top 100 best places to live and launch.
Details
8/31/2007
Details
8/17/2007
Details
6/12/2007
Details
5/18/2007
SylvanSports offers "a different approach to camping trailers-compact, lightweight, and gear-friendly".
Details
4/4/2007
The Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council (BREC) announced that the recipient of its first ever Entrepreneur of the Month Award is Scott Blackwell, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Immaculate Baking Company in Flat Rock, NC.
Details
3/27/2007
SAVE THE DATE-Carolina Connect will be held October 11, 2007 at the Grove Park Inn and Spa.
Details
3/27/2007
BREC and Meet the Geeks Team up to offer the April 26th Forum with Founder and President of Rural Sourcing, Inc., Kathy Brittain White.
Details
3/2/2007
AdvantageWest Economic Development Group announced the launch of the Certified Entrepreneurial Community (CEC) program.
Details
3/1/2007
Need help improving your elevator pitch and marketing your product? Nancy Foltz, owner and principal of Communicatia, will lead the Forum on gaining the ear of investors and customers with a compelling elevator speech. Attendees will actively participate and elevate their present pitch.
Details
2/8/2007
Join the ABC's of "David and Goliath" Business Partnering interactive Forum on forming business partnerships and alliances.
Details
1/24/2007
Bob Wilson, Director of Tech 2020's Center for Entrepreneurial Growth (CEG) and A-B Tech’s Technology Commercialization Center will lead an interactive program on Critical Issues in Building Your Business.
Details
12/10/2006
David Kemper will serve as Strategic Advisor to BREC, and AdvantageWest Board Member Mike Fulenwider has been named Board Champion for BREC.
Details
11/17/2006
Entrepreneur and community leader David McConville was named as the first ever winner of the High Cotton Award at the Five-State Summit on Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Details
7/18/2006
AdvantageWest’s Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council announced the Fourth Annual Carolina Connect Entrepreneur and Capital Conference will take place on September 14, 2006 in Asheville. The Carolina Connect Conference is the only venture capital conference west of Raleigh in the state of North Carolina.
Details
4/4/2006
The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) is partnering with angel investors and other NC-based entrepreneurial support organizations to host an ‘Angel Investor Retreat’ on May 2.
Details
8/1/2005
The Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council is launching a new mentoring program for entrepreneurs.
Details
12/19/2003
The Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council (BREC), AdvantageWest, the Asheville Chamber of Commerce's Information Technology Council, BB&T and a private donor hosted the world premiere of the documentary film, "The Rise of the Creative Class," at the Orange Peel in Asheville on December 18, 2003.
Details
| 
