A Small Hotbed of Creative Entrepreneurs
Although we can write for any business in the English-speaking world, Ray Access is located, physically, in Asheville, NC. Why is that important? In some respects, it’s not important at all — everyone has to live somewhere. In that light, Asheville is just another spot on the map.
But it’s not. Asheville is a vibrant mountain city of about 80,000 (350,000 if you count the surrounding metro area). It’s not only where Ray Access is located; it’s the place that gave birth to Ray Access. Asheville, NC, is gaining a reputation as a hotbed of creative entrepreneurs. The city has turned a great place to visit (for the Appalachian Trail, the Biltmore Estate and the Blue Ridge Parkway, to name a few highlights) into a great place to live.
Artistic Roots
Back before the population and business boom, rents were inexpensive here — especially in the warehouses down by the river. Artists moved in and transformed the area into the River Arts District. Today, artists of all sorts call Asheville home. The artistic bent has the city leaning decidedly toward “offbeat,” so Asheville has truly become a creative mecca.
Painters, potters, furniture makers, glass blowers and sculptors feel inspired in Asheville. Videographers, writers, storytellers, dancers, actors, musicians and instrument makers have moved here to set up a shop… or a stage. If you know an art form, chances are you’ll find it in Asheville, NC. It’s a place that combines respect for its cultural past with a willingness to adopt new things.
Small Business Incubator
Asheville used to support only three industries:
- Hospitality, thanks to tourism
- Construction, thanks to people moving here
- Health care, thanks to several large hospitals
While those three industries still employ a lot of people, the city today is home to a dynamic small business culture. In fact, 96 percent of businesses here have fewer than 50 employees. The Small Business Administration, University of North Carolina in Asheville and Asheville-Buncombe Community Technical College offer support for small business owners. Mountain Bizworks, a micro-lender, backs small business loans and sponsors educational workshops.
The city boasts dozens of networking meet-ups, a burgeoning tech scene, more craft breweries than you can visit in one weekend, and very popular One Million Cups (1MC) chapter. In fact, Ray Access presented at 1MC in Columbia, SC, which is not only the capital of South Carolina, but it’s also home to a large small business community. And yet, Asheville’s 1MC meetings routinely attract more than twice as many entrepreneurs.
It Rubs Off
The point is that Asheville, NC, offers a supportive environment for small businesses. You can’t attend a networking event without meeting 12 entrepreneurs. The city loves new businesses. Even the local Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of small businesses in the community.
In the end, all that support rubs off on every business that opens its doors here. The general population shops at locally owned stores. Restaurants buy locally grown meat and vegetables. Businesses buy from local suppliers. It’s a cycle that keeps small businesses in the black.
Ray Access is proud of its Asheville, NC, home. And now you know why working here helps us make a difference in the local community (by hiring and buying local) and in the global community (by producing effective and creative content for any business that wants the best). Contact Ray Access today to discover what makes us special. Ask about Asheville and receive a five percent discount on your first month of blog posts!
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