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Featured photo: Participants in the Mission Acceleration program discuss best practices for small business. (Photo by Rich Keen.)
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This fall, the Small Business Center (SBC) at Blue Ridge Community College is expanding its support for local entrepreneurs and small businesses through partnership with the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and the Brevard/Transylvania County Chamber of Commerce. Throughout the year, the SBC supports startups and small businesses throughout the region with free one-on-one business counseling, workshops, and resources to help grow and sustain operations. In recent months, the SBC’s activities have been especially valuable as businesses work to recover from Hurricane Helene and refine their strategies for the future.
In addition to the return of the full-day Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator program, business owners will have access to two free Mini Business Retreat Lunch and Learn sessions taking place in both Hendersonville and Brevard. The sessions are designed to help them step back, refocus, and strategize for long-term success.
“At Blue Ridge’s Small Business Center, we’re proud to stand alongside our community’s business leaders and entrepreneurs, whether they’re just starting out, growing their operations, or recovering from challenges like Hurricane Helene,” said SBC Director Ben Smith. “Our free, confidential advising and training programs are here year-round to help businesses reach their goals and turn ideas into action.”
The following events are led by Gary Heisey, who serves as executive director of both Vision Henderson County and the Mission Acceleration Business Acceleration at Blue Ridge Community College.
Sept. 30: Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator – Full-Day Retreat
The Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator returns this fall with a full-day immersive retreat. Held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 30, the morning will focus on business evaluation, and the afternoon centers on strategic planning for the next one to three years. Attendees will be grouped by business type or size to ensure relevant collaboration and confidentiality.
The cost is $95. Spots are limited, so early registration is recommended. Learn more and register at www.blueridge.edu/mission-accel.
Sept. 5 and 10: Mini Business Retreat – Lunch and Learn Options
For business owners seeking a shorter, high-impact experience, the SBC and area Chambers are offering two free one-hour Lunch and Learn sessions. These sessions guide participants through key areas to evaluate and strengthen their business. Topics include vision, mission, and values; company culture; planning; marketing; sales; human resources; customer service; quality control; technology; innovation; and access to resources. These retreats provide a condensed version of the Mission Acceleration retreat for busy schedules.
Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Location: Henderson County Chamber, 204 Kanuga Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792*
Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Location: Brevard / Transylvania Campus, Straus Building, Room 160
Thanks to sponsor support from the Henderson and Brevard/Transylvania Chambers of Commerce and Blue Ridge’s SBC, both sessions are offered at no cost.
To explore all upcoming SBC events and resources, visit www.blueridge.edu/sbc. Additional public and College events are available at www.blueridge.edu/events.