A Strong Business Community Thrives on Entrepreneurial Spirit in Western North Carolina

Asheville is a small city built upon the entrepreneurial spirit that has been fostered in this region for so many years. The community's commitment to buying local products and services has kept large chains and corporate businesses on the edge of downtown. Downtown Asheville is home to a wealth of locally owned and operated businesses throughout it's history. Asheville artists and business owners, both young and old have prospered while following their professional dreams. Self-employed workers are welcome in Asheville and receive support from local organizations such as: The Small Business Incubator, Asheville SCORE, The SBTDC (Small Business and Technology Development Center) and Mountain Bizworks.

A Professional Atmosphere Rooted in Passion, Originality, Creativity and Inspiration

In the North Carolina mountains business is not "as usual". In Asheville, companies are just as likely to collaborate with competitors, as they are to compete against them. A cooperative attitude and approach to business is common. The success of one company affects the success of the community as a whole and Asheville professionals seem fully aware. The one thing many Asheville business owners and professionals who've relocated in recent years share is that they moved to Western North Carolina because of the high quality of life. When you live somewhere you love it makes everything richer, this is why the business community of Asheville celebrates qualities like passion, originality, creativity and inspiration. As small business owners, innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals we must be motivated and driven; this is what helps us achieve our goals and build a thriving, economically successful city.

Economic Growth in Asheville and throughout Western North Carolina

In 2009 Asheville struggled with economic issues, rising unemployment rates and a major slow down in the real estate and construction industries. There were however some bright spots throughout the year, despite the national slump.  The Asheville Chamber of Commerce and the Asheville Metro Business Research Center reported (1) heavy job loss in the Manufacturing and Construction industries, as well as a large increase in jobs available in the Health Services and Private Education sector. The report also cites that although the city of Asheville's unemployment rate did increase between November 2008 and November 2009, the city did not see the same percentage increase that surrounding counties experienced. (2) Currently the majority of local businesses seem to have weathered the storm and downtown continues to develop and welcome new companies to the scene.

Asheville's Commercial Real Estate and Housing Market

It's impossible to talk about business without talking about real estate. Most business owners know real estate, whether commercial or residential, is a sound investment. Asheville continues to grow in many ways, even though real estate everywhere has experienced a slow down last year. The total number of homes sold in November 2009 (204) increased by 61.9% when compared to November 2008 (126) and the average price home price dropped by approximately $20,000, which makes buying a home in Asheville much more affordable. (3) Commercial real estate in Asheville is a fascinating business. There are countless real estate options to purchase new construction or rehab and older building, whether it be River District warehouses or downtown lofts; from residential or retail space at the Grove Arcade to secluded homes with a mountain view.

As a city that attracts professionals and entrepreneurs of the creative class, Asheville, NC is unique. Tomorrow remains uncertain but living in a community that supports encourages, and offers resources to a variety of contributing businesses reduces the uncertainty of the future.

(1, 2, 3) Asheville MSA Industry Employment Change November Year Over Year http://www.ashevillechamber.org/economicdevelopment/demographics.asp

Nora Hall is a real estate agent and relocation expert in Asheville NC. Nora helps home buyers and home sellers with Asheville real estate and NC mountain property. Learn more about homes for sale in Asheville, Asheville travel and the NC mountain region at http://www.norahall.wordpress.com.

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