News/Press Releases
5/23/2013
A roundup of recent coverage on the benefits of AdvantageWest to the 23-county region.
Details
5/23/2013
A new study shows entrepreneurship is growing.
Details
5/21/2013
Asheville's first hard cider company hosts a public release of its inaugural small batch on June 5.
Details
5/20/2013
Editorial lists accomplishments of AdvantageWest as a regional economic development partnership.
Details
5/14/2013
Click here for fact sheets, recent programmatic updates and more.
Details
5/7/2013
AdvantageWest region continues its growing reputation in the craft beer industry with this latest accolade.
Details
5/7/2013
Local businesses, including those that use Blue Ridge Food Ventures, can apply for the Accelerating Appalachia initiative through May.
Details
4/26/2013
The winners of The Big Tasty contest talk about their food business idea, Vortex Doughnuts, which beat out 58 contestants from around the state.
Details
4/21/2013
WMIT-FM features Accelerating Appalachia in a Community Spotlight segment on entrepreneurs.
Details
4/17/2013
News, information, opportunities and events from across our region.
Details
4/10/2013
Blue Ridge Food Ventures announces the winner of a contest to discover the best food business idea in NC.
Details
4/7/2013
An update on the winners of The Big Tasty, Blue Ridge Food Ventures' best new food-business contest.
Details
4/3/2013
The winners of The Big Tasty, Blue Ridge Food Ventures' contest to find the best new food-business idea in NC.
Details
4/2/2013
Afternoon host Jeff Messer interviews AdvantageWest's Kathi Petersen and the makers of Vortex Doughnuts.
Details
4/2/2013
Business opportunities, national recognition for WNC, award-winning ventures, upcoming events and more.
Details
4/1/2013
“An Assessment of Market Potential of Select Value-Added Food Products for WNC” focuses on 8 of the most viable processed products in today’s regional market.
Details
3/31/2013
Deadline for applying to participate in Accelerate Appalachia is April 30.
Details
3/27/2013
The March edition of Powder Bulk Solids features article on vocational services organization that blends dry products for commercial bakers
Details
3/27/2013
Event hosted by Blue Ridge Communtiy College helps local entrepreneurs and managers with cutting edge business & networking skills.
Details
3/24/2013
A coalition of nonprofits and agencies that includes the Natural Products Manufacturing Facility at Blue Ridge Food Ventures, is working to grow the natural products industry in the region.
Details
3/20/2013
The Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission kicks off an effort aimed at supporting local economies through food entrepreneurship, while broadening access to local food supplies.
Details
3/19/2013
Read about Kara Errickson, an Advantage Opportunity Fund loan client who uses the Natural Products Manufacturing Facility at Blue Ridge Food Ventures to make her product, Skinfare.
Details
3/18/2013
The Morning Report host Gregg Jansen talks with AdvantageWest CEO Scott Hamilton about the Advantage Opportunity Fund.
Details
3/17/2013
Marketing guru Zane Adams, who helps lead Blue Ridge Food Ventures graduate Buchi Kombucha to success, is now mentoring finalists in The Big Tasty.
Details
3/14/2013
A photo from Blue Ridge Food Ventures at the last pickup for subscribers to its winter CSA.
Details
3/10/2013
Learn more about the innovative idea called Smoky Mountain Sweet Potato Jerky.
Details
3/5/2013
Brent Manning co-founded Riverbend Malt House to bring local grains to North Carolina-made beers.
Details
3/4/2013
Meet a couple whose food business idea is a destination doughnut shop, Vortex Doughnuts.
Details
3/4/2013
News, information, opportunities and events from around the region.
Details
3/1/2013
Mary Lou Surgi will speak on the subject of food business incubators at a rural economic development conference in Peoria.
Details
2/24/2013
AdvantageWest and Blue Ridge Food Ventures celebrated National Entrepreneurship Week February 16-22. Watch videos, listen to podcasts, and see other media coverage here.
Details
2/24/2013
Meet the maker of sweet and savory empanadas and hand pies -- one of seven finalists in Blue Ridge Food Ventures' competition to discover the best new food business in NC.
Details
2/17/2013
Meet the maker of Carolina Mountain Chips & Dips, a finalist in Blue Ridge Food Ventures' best new food product/business contest.
Details
2/15/2013
Among the 8 finalists in Blue Ridge Food Ventures' best new food business contest are two doughnut businesses.
Details
2/10/2013
A look at the finalists in a contest from Blue Ridge Food Ventures to discover the best new food business idea in NC.
Details
1/31/2013
From a field of 58 entries, eight finalists have advanced to the next level in this first-ever best new food business idea contest.
Details
1/31/2013
News, opportunities, events and more from around Western North Carolina.
Details
1/15/2013
Series of SBA workshops for startup and existing businesses are being held across NC, starting Jan. 22 at A-B Tech.
Details
1/2/2013
A case study of Asheville and its resources and efforts in supporting entrepreneurism.
Details
12/17/2012
The News 13 Health Alert reports on Blue Ridge Food Ventures' winter CSA, Winter Sun Farms and its health benefits. Subscriptions are still available!
Details
12/13/2012
Seasonal opportunities, news, deadlines and events.
Details
12/12/2012
The Field to Fryer to Fuel project, spearheaded by AdvantageWest, is a grant-funded pilot to grow canola, press it into food grade oil for area restaurants, then converted to biofuel.
Details
12/8/2012
A look back at AdvantageWest's Venture Local Conference
Details
12/6/2012
Winter Sun CSA also begins distributing its cold-weather bounty
Details
12/2/2012
The Asheville Citizen-Times takes a quick look at the Dec. 5 Holiday Marketplace, where shoppers can find all items made in WNC.
Details
12/1/2012
AdvantageWest's Matt Raker is interviewed on the public affairs program "Changes" in advance of the Venture Local Conference in Asheville.
Details
11/30/2012
Info on upcoming events, plus a links to photos, video and more of the Economic Summit.
Details
11/29/2012
A look at holiday gift ideas from Blue Ridge Food Ventures.
Details
11/29/2012
AdvantageWest President & CEO Scott Hamilton talks with host Gregg Jensen on The Morning Report about upcoming events and opportunities to buy local, venture local and eat local.
Details
11/27/2012
Noble Cider vies to be the first company to bring hard cider to the area.
Details
11/18/2012
Check out this holiday recipe from Blue Ridge Food Ventures' winter CSA, Winter Sun Farms - and while you're at it, enter the Asheville CVB's Spice Up Your Holidays contest.
Details
11/17/2012
Blue Ridge Food Ventures' winter CSA is now accepting membership for the 2012-13 season. Learn more here.
Details
11/5/2012
The owner of Bushelle Seasonings got her business off the ground with the resources and commercial kitchens at Blue Ridge Food Ventures.
Details
10/18/2012
Mary Lou Surgi won the honor in the nonprofit category
Details
10/7/2012
The Blue Ridge Food Ventures CSA provides local produce throughout the winter.
Details
10/4/2012
Morning personality Tammy Jones interviews Blue Ridge Food Ventures Executive Director Mary Lou Surgi
Details
10/4/2012
Deadline for best new food product or service competition extended to Oct. 31.
Details
9/20/2012
Deadline to apply for free program is Sept 30
Details
9/17/2012
Sign up today!
Details
9/16/2012
The Big Tasty seeks the best new food product or service idea in NC
Details
9/16/2012
Contest aims to find the best new food product or food service idea in NC.
Details
9/11/2012
Asheville Citizen-Times profile of local entrepreneurial company Maddie Hayes Naturals. Business uses the natural products manufacturing facility at Blue Ridge Food Ventures to make an all-natural insect repellent and lip balm.
Details
8/26/2012
The public affairs program "Asheville Area Focus" discusses a $815,000 grant to support expansion of agriculture and natural resource industries in the AdvantageWest region.
Details
8/23/2012
Editorial about the grant award from the EDA, USDA and ARC to support expansion of agriculture and natural resource industries in WNC.
Details
8/18/2012
Deadline to enter "The Big Tasty" is October 15. Press release, entry forms and more here.
Details
8/16/2012
Federal and local officials herald the new $1.6 million WNC AgriVentures Project during a tour of Blue Ridge Food Ventures
Details
8/15/2012
Federal grant will support NC agriculture economy, spur jobs
Details
8/9/2012
Blue Ridge Food Ventures Executive Director Mary Lou Surgi provides an update on the exciting activities and events going on at BRFV.
Details
8/1/2012
Aim of $9 million challenge is to spur job creation and economic growth in rural regions across the country.
Details
7/18/2012
Asheville Citizen-Times: Farmers, area restaurants and energy-conscious drivers could benefit from a pilot program to develop homegrown biofuels in the mountains.
Details
7/13/2012
Valley Fine Foods, which produces gourmet pasta products including organic and gluten free, announces its decision to bring its east coast facility to Forest City.
Details
7/7/2012
Article "How Asheville got its culinary cool" covers the local food scene
Details
7/1/2012
The No. 2 craft brewer in the US is locating its East Coast manufacturing & distribution operation in the AdvantageWest region.
Details
6/29/2012
Asheville Citizen-Times profile of the creator of Lusty Monk Mustard, entrepreneur Kelly Davis
Details
6/6/2012
Breathe magazine discusses women entrepreneurs, including BRFV artisan food makers.
Details
6/4/2012
Upcoming opportunities for businesses and job-seekers, plus info on the 48 Hour Film Project and Blue Ridge Food Ventures' presence at the Asheville Wine & Food Festival
Details
6/3/2012
Listeners of the public affairs program "Asheville Area Focus" get an update on on the shared-us food and natural products business incubator and processing facility.
Details
5/25/2012
Asheville's thriving craft brew scene is featured.
Details
5/4/2012
The craft brewer is locating its East Coast operation in the AdvantageWest region.
Details
5/2/2012
The maker of Dale’s Pale Ale will build a major expansion operation in Brevard.
Details
5/1/2012
An opportunity to hear about the company's design and development schedule for its site in Asheville, ask questions, raise concerns, and provide ideas
Details
4/27/2012
UliMana uses Blue Ridge Food Ventures to make its organic truffles
Details
4/13/2012
Wingbean is an organic foods catering company which uses the commercial kitchens at Blue Ridge Food Ventures
Details
4/9/2012
News that the second and third largest craft brewers in America are coming to the Asheville area is particularly opportune for Appalachian State University's up-and-coming fermentation science program.
Details
4/5/2012
Google is announcing the details of North Carolina “Get Your Business Online,” specifically aimed at businesses in Western North Carolina, on Thursday.
Details
4/3/2012
The company serves falafel, fries and other items such as lavash-bread sandwiches.
Details
4/3/2012
Blue Ridge Food Ventures has had a major role in organizing this ARC and they are hosting a forum on the importance for cities, counties, states and regions to focus on the local food company.
Details
4/2/2012
ARC forum supports the entire food value chain, including Blue Ridge Food Ventures.
Details
4/1/2012
A profile of Mother Earth Produce from Verve Magazine
Details
3/31/2012
Blue Ridge Food Ventures has a major role in organizing this ARC event, which looks at the bigger picture of region’s food economy (it’s more than farms and tailgate markets)
Details
3/27/2012
The backstory on how 'The Hunger Games' landed in WNC, plus upcoming events and opportunities.
Details
3/23/2012
Woody Harrelson becomes a fan of Buchi kombucha, made in WNC.
Details
3/18/2012
Smoking J’s offers a wide variety of products that include seasonal fresh chili peppers from the farm as well as an assortment of pepper-infused products created at Blue Ridge Food Ventures
Details
3/14/2012
Local entrepreneurs are using the natural products manufacturing facility at Blue Ridge Food Ventures to make their products.
Details
3/13/2012
Grants to help create jobs, improve the availability of health care, and plan water and sewer improvements in rural communities
Details
2/27/2012
Rachel makes delicious cheesecakes in the Blue Ridge Food Ventures' shared-use commercial kitchens
Details
2/26/2012
Interview with AdvantageWest's Matt Raker, VP of Entrepreneurship & AdvantageGreen, on the Clear Channel Radio public affairs program, "Changes"
Details
2/22/2012
Here's one of four live interviews that aired on News 13 This Morning, featuring local entrepreneurs and AdvantageWest VP of Entrepreneurship Matt Raker.
Details
2/14/2012
Read about local business plan competition winners; a new $3.6 million program to engage rural youth in entrepreneurship; plus, meet AW's new Entrepreneurship Program Manager.
Details
2/2/2012
The rockslides have now been cleared.
Details
2/2/2012
Entrepreneurs advancing biofuels, bike repairs and nut butters take top awards in a competition sponsored by Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council
Details
2/2/2012
The Village Potters hosts a celebratory event for Cara Mae™ Skin Care’s re-branding launch of Potters’ Skin Butter
Details
1/30/2012
The announcement has garnered significant regional and national attention. Here’s just a small sample of media coverage.
Details
1/25/2012
Henderson Co facility to create 95 full-time, 80 part-time and 60 construction jobs, with more than $100 million investment.
Details
1/23/2012
"Let's Talk NC" features upcoming conference, which will include a presentation on Blue Ridge Food Ventures.
Details
1/13/2012
Created for local potters as a remedy for the drying effects of clay on their hands.
Details
1/11/2012
Event to include presentation on Blue Ridge Food Ventures’ value-added product capabilities for grapes
Details
1/6/2012
A barbecue dipping, basting and finishing sauce made from sorghum molasses and spices such as curry, clove and cinnamon.
Details
1/3/2012
Blue Ridge Food Ventures sold a record number of holiday gift boxes to those who appreciate local, handcrafted foods.
Details
12/25/2011
Profile of Chris Sullivan, founder of Home Free Bagels.
Details
12/24/2011
Tom Gallo and Susan Devitt assemble pizza kits that make fresh homemade pizza in 30 minutes.
Details
12/23/2011
News reporter Duncan McFadyen learns about BRFV's Red Box Program
Details
12/19/2011
A line of chocolate truffles and spreads distributed nationwide are hand-made at Blue Ridge Food Ventures.
Details
12/7/2011
About 100 entrepreneurs and potential financial backers came together to discuss the burgeoning local-business movement at Venture Local.
Details
12/6/2011
A look at gift ideas from food entrepreneurs at Blue Ridge Food Ventures, AdvantageWest's food business incubator.
Details
12/6/2011
Blake Butler, host of "Local Edge Radio" learns about Blue Ridge Food Ventures, the Holiday Market, and the Red Box gift program
Details
11/29/2011
News about upcoming events and opportunities, including the Blue Ridge Food Ventures Holiday Market and holiday gift box program with local specialty foods made at BRFV.
Details
11/28/2011
Shares still available in Blue Ridge Food Ventures' winter CSA. Pickups start the first full week of December.
Details
11/27/2011
Natural skin care product is made at BRFV's Natural Products Manufacturing Facility.
Details
11/21/2011
Company makes hot sauces, salsa and barbecue sauces from peppers grown on the owner's Watauga County farm.
Details
11/18/2011
Series of online videos showcase four independent farmers and a behind-the-scenes look at bringing fresh food to your table.
Details
11/14/2011
Join business leaders, entrepreneurs, economic development professionals and others with a vested interest in WNC at one of the region's most popular annual networking events. Register online by 12noon on Nov 14 or at the door beginning at 5:30pm at Diana Wortham Theatre.
Details
11/6/2011
Walter and Wendy Harrill make their jams and apple butter in Blue Ridge Food Ventures' shared-use commercial kitchens.
Details
10/19/2011
Blue Ridge Food Ventures' Winter Sun Farms helps local farmers and provides fresh frozen produce to subscribers throughout the winter months.
Details
10/16/2011
Mary Lou Surgi brings a world of experience to her job as executive director of Blue Ridge Food Ventures.
Details
10/10/2011
Ctizens of Asheville eat fresh produce more regularly than almost any other place in the country.
Details
10/4/2011
TripAdvisor awards 2011 winners based on reviews from travelers around the world.
Details
9/29/2011
News about the upcoming Economic Summit and other events and opportunities in the region.
Details
9/25/2011
Microbreweries are thriving and lifting the job market
Details
9/25/2011
Topics at Venture Local event include local supply chain business opportunities and financing; also includes farm-to-table networking reception
Details
9/23/2011
AdvantageWest's collaboration with WNC creative firms and individuals on annual report and website is recognized for excellence.
Details
9/21/2011
News about our new Executive VP, the upcoming Economic Summit and more.
Details
9/17/2011
The next 5-week Blue Ridge Food Ventures course starts Oct 19.
Details
9/12/2011
Article mentions AdvantageWest's Advantage Opportunity Fund.
Details
9/1/2011
Cooking Light magazine featured its 2011 Trailblazing Chefs, recognizing Nate Allen with the Knife & Fork restaurant in Spruce Pine with its Small-Town Chef Award.
Details
8/21/2011
Article on hot locations for start-ups includes a mention of Blue Ridge Food Ventures
Details
8/10/2011
Mary Lou Surgi talks about BRFV with host Lesley Groetsch on 880AM The Revolution
Details
8/8/2011
Want to try a taste of Blue Ridge Food Ventures? Visit us at the Asheville Wine & Food Festival.
Details
6/19/2011
An interview with Kara Errickson of the enterpreneurial startup CoCoChi.
Details
6/17/2011
Check out the latest news from AdvantageWest and around the region.
Details
6/15/2011
Haywood Co Chamber of Commerce awards Kanini's, a food business offering all natural, frozen foods-to-go and more.
Details
6/15/2011
Bamboo Ladies Bamboo Pickles gets more national coverage.
Details
6/15/2011
Blue Ridge Food Ventures Village Market featured at The North Carolina Arboretum’s 25th anniversary celebration offers samples and products for purchase, all in one location
Details
6/1/2011
Blue Ridge Food Ventures provides upcoming event targeting food producers and farmers
Details
5/29/2011
Asheville couple turns unemployment into opportunity with pizza-kit business
Details
5/16/2011
Chief Executive Magazine ranks North Carolina No. 2 best state for business; praised for workforce and quality of life
Details
5/9/2011
The 2010 Annual Report for AdvantageWest is now online.
Details
5/5/2011
Sign up today for the region's signature event for entrepreneurs and investors to meet one of the world's most followed social media experts.
Details
4/15/2011
There are many great reasons to register today for Carolina Connect. Here are just 5 of them.
Details
3/14/2011
Visit our Newsletter page to download a PDF.
Details
3/14/2011
A program designed to educate land owners on how to keep land in the family, held April 2 at the NC Arboretum in Asheville.
Details
2/9/2011
Visit our Newsletter page to download a PDF.
Details
2/7/2011
Article also includes a sidebar on Blue Ridge Food Ventures and mentions other successful BRFV clients.
Details
2/3/2011
The AdvantageWest Board of Directors meets Feb. 17, 2011.
Details
2/2/2011
“VERVE-aciously BIG Idea Business Plan Competition” offers $10,000 in cash, prizes, business support services and expert advice
Details
1/31/2011
The inspiration for a new food business can come from anywhere, but for the insight and tools to get the idea to market, entrepreneurs turn to Blue Ridge Food Ventures.
Details
1/31/2011
Deadline for the VERVE-aciously BIG Idea Business Plan Competition is April 1.
Details
1/26/2011
"How to Choose a Small-Business Incubator" also includes photo of Blue Ridge Food Ventures graduate Buchi.
Details
1/18/2011
Free conference, provided in partnership with AdvantageWest, offers local business owners practical expert advice to increase revenue, lower costs and increase business profit in 2011.
Details
12/2/2010
Visit our Newsletter page to download a PDF.
Details
11/29/2010
Holiday gift boxes, gift certificates, convenient-to-prepare local produce among the offerings of AdvantageWest's food business incubator
Details
11/28/2010
A Blue Ridge Food Ventures entrepreneur, World's Best Carrot Cake, is on the list of 10 Gift Ideas for the Peaceful (see #5).
Details
11/21/2010
A podcast of Asheville Area Focus, broadcast on Mix 96.5 WOXL, 98.1 The River, 105.9 The Mountain and 1310 WISE, featuring Mary Lou Surgi talking about Blue Ridge Food Ventures and the new Natural Products Manufacturing Facility.
Details
11/3/2010
Visit our Newsletter page to download a PDF.
Details
10/21/2010
Visit our Newsletter page to download a PDF.
Details
10/21/2010
"Take A Stand with Matt Mittan" features Blue Ridge Food Ventures: How to start a food business, the new Natural Products Manufacturing Facility, and more. Listen here.
Details
10/20/2010
Bamboo pickles win Cooking Light magazine award in artisanal foods category.
Details
10/19/2010
New facility will allow local entrepreneurs to produce, bottle, seal and label natural products ranging from medicinal herbs to dietary supplements.
Details
10/19/2010
Photos by Clear Channel Asheville reporter Dan Hess.
Details
10/18/2010
Article also includes recipes using WSF produce.
Details
10/5/2010
Facility opens Oct 18 for public tour and reception; first of its kind in the U.S.
Details
10/1/2010
Deadline for submissions is December 15.
Details
9/29/2010
Food entrepreneurs at Blue Ridge Food Ventures are interviewed for the annual Women in Business edition.
Details
9/29/2010
The Winter Sun Farms winter CSA, operated by Blue Ridge Food Ventures, offers locally grown produce, processed and frozen at the peak of freshness, throughout the winter months.
Details
9/29/2010
Winter Sun Farms, a community-supported agriculture program of Blue Ridge Food Ventures, provides members with local produce during winter while also supporting area farmers.
Details
9/28/2010
Learn the basics of food entrepreneurship at a 5-week course, "Starting Your Specialty Food Business"
Details
9/22/2010
Visit our Newsletter page to download a PDF.
Details
8/29/2010
Read the article here.
Details
8/16/2010
Meetings are open to the public.
Details
8/9/2010
Details
8/3/2010
The Aug. 14 event will feature the Blue Ridge Food Ventures Marketplace pavilion.
Details
7/26/2010
Tickets still available: Sample foods from Blue Ridge Food Ventures producers and WNC restaurants, with tastings from 35 wineries, distributors and stores.
Details
7/22/2010
Free event is Aug. 25 at McDowell Tech in Marion, presented by Congressman Heath Shuler.
Details
7/15/2010
CNBC ranks North Carolina as the 4th best in its "America's Top States for Business"
Details
7/2/2010
"Ask the Experts" features AdvantageWest and other organizations that provide counseling and financial assistance to current/prospective business owners. Two sessions: July 12 at Blue Ridge Community College; July 13 at Haywood Community College.
Details
6/5/2010
Meetings take place at the AdvantageWest offices and are open to the public.
Details
6/5/2010
Sen. Kay Hagan works to protect small farmers and food producers, such as those at Blue Ridge Food Ventures, from added costs that could come from the government's new food safety law.
Details
5/7/2010
The Carolina Connect conference focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship. Connect with top business leaders, entrepreneurs and investors at this much anticipated event.
Details
4/19/2010
AdvantageWest and BREC are now accepting nominations for innovative entrepreneurs and companies. *Deadline is April 30*
Details
4/14/2010
The 2009 AdvantageWest Annual Report is now online.
Details
4/13/2010
Due to construction on the roads around the AdvantageWest offices, the bimonthly meeting will take place at the DoubleTree Biltmore, located at 115 Hendersonville Rd. in Asheville, in room Burghley B.
Details
3/18/2010
Self-described "food-centric mountain irregular" Mark Rosenstein moved temporarily to the Great Smoky Mountains at age 19 to work at a restaurant. Thirty-eight years later, he's still there -- and it's easy to understand why...
Details
3/17/2010
Thanks to Blue Ridge Food Ventures there's an ever–increasing selection of locally made food items in Western North Carolina.
Details
3/12/2010
Register now for these popular offerings.
Details
6/26/2009
Blue Ridge Food Ventures helps to supply local products for a cook-off among food bloggers and local chefs.
Details
6/16/2009
Blue Ridge Food Venture partner, McConnell Farms, is among the 38 family farms on the Family Farm Tour June 27 and 28.
Details
6/10/2009
Delicias Latinas, a Blue Ridge Food Ventures client, caters to hungry construction workers.
Details
2/5/2009
Blue Ridge Food Ventures receives grants to expand outreach programs for farmers, implement a wintertime CSA program, and incrase space and services for entrepreneurs.
Details
1/13/2009
Blue Ridge Food Ventures client UliMana is a "Top Pick of the Week" in The Nibble, a specialty foods magazine.
Details
10/1/2008
MaryLou Surgi featured in Western North Carolina's Spice of Life
Details
9/9/2008
The specialties of more than 30 of the region's finest food entreprenuers are on the menu
Details
5/1/2008
Skills for Food Entreprenuers
Details
Back to Top
|
