WNC Listening Sessions

Join us for a
WNC Listening Session

Craft Your Commerce, Land of Sky Regional Council, WNC Arts, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, Asheville Area Arts Council and other area stakeholders want to hear from you!

WNC Listening Sessions Info

Western NC Regional Listening Sessions

 Bridgeway Capital’s Creative Business Accelerator is working in partnership with Craft Your Commerce, Land of Sky Regional Council, WNC Arts, Blue Ridge National heritage Area, Asheville Area Arts Council, and stakeholders across Western North Carolina to develop a Creative Manufacturing Sector Development Plan for the region.

To better understand the opportunities and challenges faced by creative entrepreneurs in the region, and to get your thoughts on how to move Western North Carolina’s creative economy forward, we’re hosting a series of listening sessions in early May.

To provide context, we are defining creative manufacturing as “creative manufacturers use traditional handwork processes and industrial production technologies to transform raw and/or reclaimed materials into finished goods with utility, durability, and distinctive design.” Finished goods from creative manufacturers are wide ranging and include, but are not limited to, furniture, hardware, decor, textiles, wall coverings, apparel, hollowware, home goods, lighting, musical instruments, beauty care, etc.

Listening Session Days, Times, Event Registration Links (click on the session below to register):

Meeting Agenda:

  • Introductions
  • Small and full group discussions:
    • What are the primary assets this region has as it relates to the creative sector and/or creative manufacturing?
    • What are the primary challenges creatives in this region face as it relates to the creative sector and/or creative manufacturing?
    • In 10 years, how would you like Western NC’s creative sector and creative economy to look?
  • Next steps in the creative manufacturing planning process

Questions? Please contact Katie Johnson, Associate Director of the CBA – KJohnson@bridgewaycapital.orc

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Craft Your Commerce (CYC) is a Mountain BizWorks growth initiative program designed to connect, elevate and advance creative and craft-centered companies through a series of business training and professional development workshops designed by makers for makers, 1:1 business coaching support, financing opportunities, and special projects.

CYC envisions a growing, engaged, and sustainable creative community that is a major economic driver to the WNC region. Our goal is to create a robust creative economy in WNC where craft-based businesses can become resilient, sustainable, and thrive.

 

 

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