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Today’s Email Announcements

1) Small Businesses: Apply for Scale UP WNC by Jan. 31

Looking to scale up your small business? Mountain BizWorks announces call for applications for the 2016 ScaleUp WNC program Helping entrepreneurs take their ventures to new heights; Deadline to apply is January 31 (Asheville, NC): Starting a business is hard work. Scaling a business is equally hard, and often requires different strategy and skills than used in the startup phase. The ScaleUp WNC program works with existing entrepreneurs and small businesses owners from across western North Carolina that have demonstrated initial success and have potential for significant growth. Using a cohort based approach, with 15 businesses accepted into each group, ScaleUp WNC provides mentorship, management training, growth capital connections and other critical resources to help companies achieve breakthrough growth and contribute to the small business‐led economic development of western North Carolina. Cohort members also gain a strong peer CEO network within their cohort and with ScaleUp WNC alumni (listed below). Applications are now being accepted for the third and fourth ScaleUp WNC cohorts. The deadline to apply is January 31. Visit ScaleUpWNC.com for more information and to apply. Cohort 3 will begin in March, and Cohort 4 will start in June. Based on previous interest, Mountain BizWorks may fill both cohorts from applications received during this application window. “Spending the time and energy to develop and refine our ‘pitch’ was worth its time investment ten‐fold.” – Adam Charnack, Hi‐Wire Brewing (Cohort 1) In addition to the caliber of companies selected, a strength of ScaleUp WNC is the diversity of companies participating. Industries represented in the first two cohorts ranged from food & beverage to outdoor industry, and from manufacturing to professional services. Accepted companies hailed from Boone to Asheville to Bryson City and places in between. Mountain BizWorks also strongly encourages applications from women‐owned, minority‐owned, veteran‐owned and rural‐based businesses. Half of the 2015 participants met one or more of these criteria. “The community of like‐minded entrepreneurs and small business owners created by ScaleUp is one of the most valuable and ongoing outcomes of being part of the program.” – Nikki Holder, Outrider USA (Cohort 1) Fifteen founders or executive managers of growth‐oriented small businesses will be selected through a competitive, merit‐based application process for each ScaleUp WNC cohort. Businesses must be based in Western North Carolina, have at least one full‐time employee, and have identified opportunities for business expansion. Additionally, accepted businesses typically have been in for business for at least 2 years and have annual revenues between $150,000 and $750,000.

This unique program is offered at nocost thanks to funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration,

however companies chosen are expected to make a firm commitment of time to participate in the

program. Western North Carolina has been selected as one of the first eight places nationally to launch

an SBA ScaleUp America program, a recognition of the vibrant entrepreneurial community in WNC.

“We are thrilled to be launching the next round of the ScaleUp WNC program,” said Bill Carrington, chair

of the Mountain BizWorks board of directors. “In the first year, we had the honor of assisting 30 great

small business owners from across the region, many of whom are already creating new jobs, raising

funding, and reaching new milestones. We expect another excellent and diverse class of entrepreneurial

leaders in 2016.”

Mountain BizWorks also thanks our collaborating training partners which have included Asheville

Buncombe Technical Community College, Ascent Business Network, Sequoyah Fund, Small Town

Ventures, 1×1 Media, LenoirRhyne University and AdvantageWest.

Additional program details, dates and the online application form are available at ScaleUpWNC.com.

ScaleUp WNC alumni companies include: Cohort 1: Brightfield Transportation Solutions, Carolina Native

Nursery, Dieseljobs.com, Dolci di Maria, Equinox, Farm to Home Milk, HiWire Brewing, Lusty Monk,

Mother Earth Produce, New Appalachia, Outrider USA, SimpleShot Shooting Sports, Strivven

Media/Virtual Job Shadow, The Filling Station Deli And Sub Shop, Ultimate Ice Cream. Cohort 2: APEX

Brain Centers, Appalachia Cookie Company, BearWaters Brewing Company, Cab Hound, Covenant

Health Products, Destination by Design, Dog Door Canine Services, eCBiz Solutions, Go Yoga, GoWorx,

Heurista, Odyssey ClayWorks, Sherpa Hunting, Spectra3D Technologies, The Regeneration Station

About Mountain BizWorks

Mountain BizWorks has been developing small businesses in Western North Carolina for 25 years. Our

primary platforms are lending and learning, specifically designed to grow small businesses and create

economic opportunity for all. We proudly create access to capital for startups and existing businesses in

spite of barriers to traditional lending sources. We support the entrepreneurial spirit by offering

individualized coaching and training. Most importantly, we turn the dream of business ownership and

success into a reality. Learn more about Mountain BizWorks at mountainbizworks.org.

2) Tai Chi for Arthritis Begins at the Senior Center in January

The Lois E. Harrill Senior Center is offering a Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention Class on Thursdays starting in January.  This class is an evidence based health promotion class.  The class is provided at no cost and will be offered on Thursdays starting January 14th and running through March 31st .  The class will be held at 11am.  The benefits of this class can include increased range of motion, strength, flexibility, improved balance, better breathing and more energy.  We hope you will join us!  Call 265-8090 to register today!

3) Register for These Upcoming Programs at the Senior Center

Registration for Yoga Classes at Senior Centers

The next session of Yoga classes are scheduled to meet from 6:15-7:15pm at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center on Tuesdays beginning January 5th. Classes will also be held at the Western Watauga Community Center (WWCC) on Thursdays starting January 7th from 11am-noon.  The instructor, Akal Dev Sharonne, has been a yoga practitioner and teacher for more than 30 years.  Her classes are a delightful blend of humor, challenge and wisdom.  The cost of each 12-week session is $75.00 per person.  Call Akal Dev to register, 828-264-1384.

 Smartphone Classes at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center

The classes are open to anyone age 60 and older.  It will be an introductory class on how to use your Smartphone and understand apps.  The classes will be held on Wednesdays, Jan. 13 and 27, at 10am.  Call Jen Teague to register at 265-8090.

 Writing Workshop

The Lois E. Harrill Senior Center in partnership with the High Country Lifelong Learners will be offering a writing workshop on Wednesday January 20th from 10am-3pm.  The class is provided at no cost and is open to anyone age 60 and over.  Please contact the senior center at 265-8090 for more information and to register for the class.

4) Pack the Pantry Food Drive Collecting Items Through Dec. 21

Help the Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge feed hungry families in Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties by bringing nonperishable food items to the “pack the pantry” food drive van. Collected items will be distributed by the Hospitality House, the Hunger and Health Coalition, Ashe Sharing Center and Feeding Avery Families. Collection takes place through Dec. 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day in the back of the van located at Yadkin Bank, 2111 Blowing Rock Road in Boone.

5) ASU Rec Management’s 10th Anniversary Outdoor Jobs Fair Set for Feb. 17

Wednesday, February 17th, 2016

10am – 2pm

Grandfather Mountain Ballroom, Plemmons Student

Over 60 of the top camps, conference centers, outfitters, and resorts throughout the U.S. will be represented. Great opportunity to secure both summer and year round employment. Internships also available. Spend your summer in the great outdoors while gaining skills in teaching, counseling, leading, climbing, boating, and more! All majors encouraged to attend.