Although it has only been 2 months since I first set through the Mountain BizWorks doors, I have already made many important steps to help me realize my career as a fashion designer. I can now say I dedicate my full time working hours to design, rather than the hourly-wage job I'd maintained for the last four years. Mountain BizWorks really helped me realize that not all risks you take are bad decisions.

Melissa "Moe" Donnelly - Sew Moe Designs

MJ's Lawncare
Category: Landscape - Lawn Care and Landscape Maintenance
Martha Lockaby
P.O. Box 932
Hayesville, NC 28904
Phone: (828)389-1196

Mowing, aerating, weed eating, pruning, etc. Reasonably priced lawn care with a personal touch.

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Legends Fine Furnishings and Gallery
Category: Landscape - Lawn Care and Landscape Maintenance
Susan Connor
Steven Taksa
23 Valle Vista Drive
Asheville, NC 28804
Phone: (828)252-5523
Email: legendsfurn@charter.net

Wood and art products

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Visit our online directory for a complete listing of alumni-owned and operated businesses!

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For over two decades, Mountain BizWorks has been in the hope business, the dream business, the opportunity business.  We have been helping small business owners build the economy of Western North Carolina one business and one job at a time.  Mountain BizWorks values serving all individuals who aspire to be entrepreneurs and they believe that people should be able to create a better life for themselves and their families through business ownership.   Mountain BizWorks believes that successful businesses create long-term social benefits and economic prosperity, particularly in underserved communities.  They value the dignity and work of each individual and encourage self-sufficiency, accountability, and cooperation.  Furthermore, they value being a community that bridges the gap between entrepreneurs of varying incomes, geographies and ethnicities. Mountain BizWorks is an entrepreneurial, non-profit organization that operates with a double bottom line of social impact and financial viability -- ensuring a permanent resource for the Western North Carolina region.

In 2009, Mountain BizWorks was able to provide its services to 1074 entrepreneurs (65% were low-income, 61% were women, 26% were racial or ethnic minorities).  Those individuals created 163 businesses and expanded 390 businesses. In turn, those businesses created 309 jobs and sustained 1147 jobs. We also made 49 loans totaling almost $792,800.

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Since thriving small businesses are central to a vibrant regional economy, our vision is that every entrepreneur has access to business training, support, and capital for creating and sustaining successful businesses.

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Alumni Spotlights

Bead artist, Abbie Doyle has opened Hendersonville’s first all-things-bead-related retail store, My Garden of Beadin’ in 2006. The store, located at 433 North Church Street, offers an eclectic mix of beads, jewelry making materials, classes, pre-made wares, and an interactive customer worktable.

The hours of operation for My Garden of Beadin’ are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Doyle offers classes every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday’s at 11:00 a.m.