Mountain BizWorks is pleased to welcome 14 high-potential small businesses selected for the 13th cohort of the ScaleUp WNC program. The program will begin with a kick-off event on April 17, showcasing companies across a wide range of industries, including construction, fitness, healthcare, food, and creative sectors.
Through ScaleUp, the companies will receive intensive growth-management training, connect with experienced mentors, and receive access-to-capital support. “We know navigating the destruction of Hurricane Helene has been tough on businesses in our region,” said Matt Raker, Mountain BizWorks’ Executive Director. “But there are those who have an opportunity to scale through recovery. ScaleUp will allow each to develop their unique growth strategy, which will continue to help revitalize our regional economy.”
These companies will join more than 175 alumni businesses that have graduated from ScaleUp since its launch in 2015. To date, the program has welcomed a variety of participants hailing from all corners of WNC. This year’s cohort is no exception, with companies from Burnsville to Black Mountain to Flat Rock.
“This year ScaleUp Cohort 13’s participants are 14 amazingly resilient businesses from WNC. To see how each of these entrepreneurs is uniquely positioned to scale, even after experiencing devastation from Hurricane Helene, reflects the strength, determination, and love for our community that we know is at the core of who we are here in Western North Carolina” says Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith, ScaleUp Co-Facilitator and Business Growth Specialist at Mountain BizWorks, “I am excited to take this journey with the group and see how each of them continues to thrive.”
Companies in Cohort 13:
Aktiga: Aktiga is an Asheville-based software company building collaboration and productivity tools, starting with Agenda Keeper—a new platform for managing recurring meetings, supporting accountability, and helping teams stay aligned.
Angela Kim Couture: Angela Kim Couture is a bespoke bridal studio creating luxury custom wedding gowns that blend refined craftsmanship and unique design. We create one-of-a-kind, handcrafted dresses that bring each bride’s unique vision to life, delivering a truly personalized and unforgettable experience.
Crafted Glory: Crafted Glory – a luxury hand-made furniture company in Clyde, NC. Founder Kwadwo crafts heirloom quality wooden furniture that blends his and his wife’s Ghanaian artistic culture with Scandinavian design. His work is sculptural, warm and textured as well as elegant and elevated.
Cura Concrete: Cura Concrete builds accurately and efficiently new residential foundations in WNC. Crew safety, superior quality and management drive our practice. They foster creativity and critical thinking in our daily tasks to provide a superior service.
Delish Venezuelan Street Food: Delish Venezuelan Street Food is making history as the first Venezuelan food truck in Western North Carolina. They serve up authentic arepas, cachapas, and more, bringing the bold flavors of Venezuela to the streets. Visit their specialized retail store, open since 2022, for a curated selection of Venezuelan goodies you won’t find anywhere else.
Elite Eye Care: Elite Eye Care provides expert eye care with innovative treatments and AI-driven solutions to enhance patient experiences. Committed to cutting-edge technology and personalized service, we help our community achieve optimal eye health.
Emergency Tech Repair: Founded by veteran Elisha Lewis in 2022, Emergency Tech Repair rapidly grew from a startup in an ambulance to two stores, offering trusted, compassionate tech care, recognized by Apple and Forbes, and committed to living wages and community support.
High Lonesome Timber: High Lonesome Timber provides high-quality tree care and forestry services. The safe and conscientious company is based in Yancey County, NC, and their ISA Certified Arborists use modern methodology to keep trees safe, healthy, and beautiful.
Matcha Nude: Matcha Nude is a sustainable and ethical matcha company doing things differently. It offers affordable premium-grade organic, non-GMO Japanese matcha in 100% compostable packaging. Matcha Nude is on a mission to show the world the power of this incredible tea + the lifestyle that comes with it.
McHone Performance Training: McHone Performance Training was developed to help individuals with outdoor lifestyles to feel confident in their fitness while running, biking, climbing, paddling and recreating in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Pro Painting & Drywall: Pro Painting & Drywall is locally owned and operated drywall, painting, and home repair company. They offer interior and exterior services for home and business owners in Hendersonville, Asheville, and the surrounding areas. As a small business with a dedicated team, they go the extra mile for our customers to ensure every last detail is completed to perfection.
Sarah Sunshine Pottery: Sarah Sunshine Pottery is known for their rich signature glaze collections, and their useful, functional pottery. Each piece is handmade by store owner Sarah Vekasi, and sold in their flagship store on Cherry Street, in the heart of Black Mountain, NC, as well as online nationwide.
Sky Clean: Sky Clean specializes in providing professional window cleaning, pressure washing, and high-access services to commercial clients across Western North Carolina, the upstate of South Carolina, and eastern Tennessee.
Sugarcane Studios: Sugarcane Studios is a professional sewing studio specializing in custom clothing, bridal and formalwear, and general alterations, including menswear. With online booking, upfront pricing, and a commitment to customer service, we want you to feel amazing in your clothes.
This year’s program is offered with support from the Minority Business Development Agency’s Capital Readiness Program, as well as local support from Integrative Medicine of Asheville, Mars Hill University’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, McGuire Wood & Bissette Law Firm, and Optimist Ventures.
More details on the Mountain BizWorks ScaleUp program can be found at ScaleUpWNC.com.
