Join Mountain BizWorks for Mountain Raise 2025, its annual “barn raising” for the WNC local economy. This year’s event is November 13 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Highland Brewing Company. Guests will hear from five local businesses looking for support to grow in innovative ways and experience a lively panel discussion with three active equity investors.
This year’s presenters have all been supported by Mountain BizWorks’ small business programs. They are industry powerhouses: a florist and flower farm, a distillery, an amp manufacturer, a sewing and joinings business, and a company turning biomass into energy. Presenters* include:
Carolina Flowers is a flower farm and florist, growing fresh, specialty blooms and caring for them all the way to the end customer through home delivery, weddings and events. With its seed-to-vase model and scalable online ordering platform, Carolina Flowers presents a new vision for the U.S. flower industry.
Eda Rhyne is a contemporary distillery founded on heritage and innovation. They create distinct spirits using folk knowledge, rare heirloom grains, and native botanicals to capture distinct regional flavors for all to enjoy.
Marla Amplification builds high quality, low cost guitar amplifiers for the modern day musician. Their products are built to last a lifetime and are voiced to inspire creation.
Sarah Hearts creates unique notions and gifts for sewists, quilters, knitters, crocheters and makers of all experience levels through our cheerful designs and beautiful use of color.
Verenovo is a green technology company that turns biomass waste into high-performance biochar and clean thermal energy with patented pyrolysis technology. The company delivers scalable solutions that create jobs, strengthen local supply chains, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
In addition, the event will feature a lively panel with active equity investors from Abundance Capital, High Country Impact Fund, and Impact WNC Fund. This offers entrepreneurs a rare inside look at what investors are looking for, how to stand out, and what it really takes to secure equity funding.
Attendees will have ample time to connect with presenters, network with a room full of those invested in WNC’s future, and enjoy locally crafted drinks and small bites.
Space is limited, and tickets are selling quickly. Visit mountainraise.org to purchase tickets.
Thanks to Mountain Raise sponsors: First Horizon Foundation, Abundance Capital, Integrative Family Medicine of Asheville, Incolo, McGuire Wood & Bissette, Mountain BizWorks’ Market Advisors, Mars Hill University Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, NC Rural Center, Optimist Ventures, and Venture Asheville.
*None of these companies should be assumed to be raising capital unless they otherwise say so during their presentations.
