BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Mountain BizWorks - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Mountain BizWorks
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://wpengine.mountainbizworks.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Mountain BizWorks
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20240310T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20241103T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250703T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250703T110000
DTSTAMP:20260426T054624
CREATED:20250502T215322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250630T144614Z
UID:10002813-1751536800-1751540400@wpengine.mountainbizworks.org
SUMMARY:FULL - Orientation Session
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an information session to discover what resources are available at Mountain BizWorks that will help you start\, grow\, and thrive in your business. Hosted by our Learning Programs Manager\, Holly Rivers\, this session is a great opportunity to learn more about Mountain BizWorks’ small business lending and learning programs.
URL:https://wpengine.mountainbizworks.org/event/orientation-session-56/
LOCATION:Mountain BizWorks\, 153 S Lexington Ave\, Asheville\, NC\, 28801\, United States
CATEGORIES:Event,In-Person,Learn,Orientation Session
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250707T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250707T193000
DTSTAMP:20260426T054624
CREATED:20250627T172707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250708T150159Z
UID:10002836-1751909400-1751916600@wpengine.mountainbizworks.org
SUMMARY:Future Forward Kickoff: Welcome & Orientation; Setting the Stage for Resilience (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:Start strong with clarity and connection.\nThis virtual kickoff event welcomes participants into the Future Forward workshop series with a clear overview of what’s ahead and how to get the most out of the journey. You’ll meet fellow entrepreneurs\, explore the program structure\, and dive into the key themes of resilience\, adaptability\, and strategic recovery. \nWe’ll walk through the tools and resources you’ll use throughout the series – including the Participant Workbook\, the Business Health Self-Assessment\, and summaries of all eight core workshops – giving you space to reflect\, take notes\, and begin tracking your progress from Day 1. \nWhether you’re here to stabilize\, grow\, or reimagine your business\, this session sets the tone for purposeful action and peer-powered learning.
URL:https://wpengine.mountainbizworks.org/event/future-forward-kickoff-welcome-orientation-setting-the-stage-for-resilience-virtual/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Online — Zoom\, NC
CATEGORIES:Event,Learn,Mountain BizWorks Event,Online,Recovery Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250708T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250708T160000
DTSTAMP:20260426T054624
CREATED:20250609T132338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250609T133316Z
UID:10002823-1751979600-1751990400@wpengine.mountainbizworks.org
SUMMARY:Design Decoded: Canva for Creatives
DESCRIPTION:Design Decoded: Canva for Creatives is a hands-on learning lab (aka action workshop)\, led by Top 5% Canva Designer and local creative entrepreneur\, Cortina Caldwell\, thoughtfully crafted with the needs of creative entrepreneurs & contractors in mind. Treat this like Craft Your Commerce-sponsored “design office hours”—bring unfinished graphics\, branding questions\, or just show up ready to steal my favorite Canva hacks. \n👉 After registering\, email any design you want considered \nfor the live coaching part of the lab (cortina@brandevangelist.io). \n🎯 THE PROBLEM \n\nOverwhelmed by DIY design but can’t afford a pro?\nSpending too much time tweaking templates instead of growing your biz?\n\n🎯 WHAT THIS LAB WILL HELP YOU WITH: \n✔ Branding shortcuts – Set up a Canva brand kit (so everything stays on-point).\n✔ Pro design tricks – Make your marketing stand out (even if you’re not a designer).\n✔ Time-savers – Automate stuff you’re doing manually (resizing for IG\, LinkedIn\, etc.).\n✔ Money-savers – Tap into amazing tools inside Canva you’re probably missing.\n✔ Design with Confidence – Stop stressing over visuals and get back to making money. \n💡 BONUS: Join my private community Discord for ongoing support\, exclusive network discounts\, and first-look at future design\, marketing\, branding and business guides+ \nAll registrants will receive a recording of the workshop\, and an access link for the Discord community. \nInstructor Bio: \nCortina Jenelle Caldwell (Cortina) is a brand strategist utilizing technology\, media and design to spark new ideas\, human connections and place-based experiences through visual storytelling and creative architecture. Cortina earned her Masters in Business Management & Leadership (2015) after soft launching a creative consultancy (2014) in response to the limited resources available to Appalachian entrepreneurs in the creative sector. Cortina was awarded Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year by WNC MEDWeek (2012); going on to join the ranks of 40 Under Forty (2013); a Tzedek Impact Award for her work under the Artists Designing Evolution (adé PROJECT) umbrella (2019-2020); KNOW Women of Asheville (2021); several industry awards for Brand Evangelist including “Most Client-Focused Copywriting and Branding Agency” by the Southern States Business Awards; and membership in prestigious creative leadership cohorts – ArtsBuild’s Periscope Chattanooga and River City Company’s Emerging Producer Program (2024-2025). Cortina is also a certified creative facilitator and award-winning grant writer\, often using these skills to help nonprofits as low/pro-bono work. In early 2025\, Cortina gained notoriety for her extensive work and skills in Canva\, being applauded by the global platform as a “Top 5% Designer”; and became an inductee into Who’s Who in America for her contributions to media and business. Cortina credits her achievements to her circle of mentors\, especially her first true mentor\, her grandmother\, who taught her the joy of hard work\, importance of taking care of community\, and how to share God-given talents through entrepreneurship.
URL:https://wpengine.mountainbizworks.org/event/craft-your-commerce-design-decoded-canva-for-creatives/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Online — Zoom\, NC
CATEGORIES:Class,Craft Your Commerce,Learn,Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250714T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250714T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T054624
CREATED:20250627T172958Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250627T173216Z
UID:10002838-1752514200-1752525000@wpengine.mountainbizworks.org
SUMMARY:Future Forward Workshop 1: Stabilize & Assess; Mapping Your Business’s Critical Assets and Threats
DESCRIPTION:In this session\, you’ll take stock of your business’s most essential resources – your team\, infrastructure\, inventory\, data\, and cash – and identify potential vulnerabilities or threats. You’ll work to benchmark these assets\, assess immediate risks\, and begin building a foundation for informed decision-making. The session also helps define leadership capacity and communication needs for the recovery phase. This operational deep dive sets the stage for smart\, strategic planning.
URL:https://wpengine.mountainbizworks.org/event/future-forward-workshop-1-stabilize-assess-mapping-your-businesss-critical-assets-and-threats/
LOCATION:Mountain BizWorks Asheville Office\, 153 S Lexington Avenue\, Asheville\, NC\, 28801\, United States
CATEGORIES:Event,In-Person,Learn,Mountain BizWorks Event,Recovery Workshop
GEO:35.590696;-82.552115
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Mountain BizWorks Asheville Office 153 S Lexington Avenue Asheville NC 28801 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=153 S Lexington Avenue:geo:-82.552115,35.590696
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250717T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250717T123000
DTSTAMP:20260426T054624
CREATED:20250430T154016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250702T161151Z
UID:10002812-1752744600-1752755400@wpengine.mountainbizworks.org
SUMMARY:FULL - Foundations Business Planning Course
DESCRIPTION:Our Foundations business planning course helps guide ideas from concept to reality in a participatory\, supportive learning environment.\nJoin a cohort of aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to gain an aerial perspective of your vision and the comprehensive business skills necessary to help bring your visions into reality. Participants will gain a clear aerial perspective of their business operations\, financials\, research and development\, and marketing strategies and you have the opportunity to leave the course with a business plan\, a clear vision for your business\, and concrete tasks for your future work. \nThroughout the course\, emphasis will be placed on developing the social capital of the group. Participants will be encouraged to gather feedback from their peers\, creating a strong network of deep support and synergy. For more info\, visit the Foundations Business Planning overview page. \nIf you have any questions please contact our team\,  classes@mountainbizworks.org. \nRegistration\nComplete the online registration form to hold your seat.  We will follow up with you within a few days. You are welcome to contact us with any follow-up questions or ask about the status of your request. \n 
URL:https://wpengine.mountainbizworks.org/event/full-foundations-business-planning-course/
LOCATION:Mountain BizWorks Asheville Office\, 153 S Lexington Avenue\, Asheville\, NC\, 28801\, United States
CATEGORIES:Course,Foundations Business Planning,In-Person,Learn
GEO:35.590696;-82.552115
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Mountain BizWorks Asheville Office 153 S Lexington Avenue Asheville NC 28801 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=153 S Lexington Avenue:geo:-82.552115,35.590696
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250725T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250725T130000
DTSTAMP:20260426T054624
CREATED:20250611T163107Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T163107Z
UID:10002824-1753441200-1753448400@wpengine.mountainbizworks.org
SUMMARY:Craft Your Commerce Connect | Digital Organization for Creatives: Using Google Drive
DESCRIPTION:Do you have a messy digital “filing cabinet”? Would you like to streamline your creative business in the cloud? In this workshop\, learn how to organize your digital workspace using Google Suite and get a crash course on how to: \n\nOrganize files and folders in your Drive\nCollaborate and safely share files\nUtilize Google Docs and Sheets for your projects\nIntegrate your emails with Gmail\nManage your schedule in Google Calendar\n\n💻 Please bring your laptop\, tablet\, or phone to the workshop so you can follow along in real time. \nAbout the Instructor: \nTracey Carswell (they/them) is a queer coach\, artist\, entrepreneur\, and stage III breast cancer survivor who is passionate about leadership and empowering underrepresented communities. They are the founder of Powerful in Pink\, a brand that offers coaching\, business support\, curation\, and community building opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs. \nTracey’s commitment to community building is evident in their work as co-founder of Queer Metalsmiths\, a community space that uplifts 2SLGBTQIA+ jewelers\, metalsmiths\, and makers; with a focus on empowering individuals who have been excluded or marginalized in traditional creative and entrepreneurial fields. \nOverall\, Tracey’s commitment to community is the driving force behind their work. They strive to help individuals achieve their goals and create meaningful connections within their communities through their unique perspective and approach to personal and professional growth. \n@powerfulinpinkbytlc \nhttps://www.traceycarswell.com/ \n@queermetalsmiths \nhttps://www.queermetalsmiths.com/
URL:https://wpengine.mountainbizworks.org/event/craft-your-commerce-connect-digital-organization-for-creatives-using-google-drive/
LOCATION:Center for Craft\, 67 Broadway St\, Asheville\, 28801\, United States
CATEGORIES:Class,Craft Your Commerce,In-Person,Learn
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250728T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250728T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T054624
CREATED:20250627T173148Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250627T173148Z
UID:10002839-1753723800-1753734600@wpengine.mountainbizworks.org
SUMMARY:Future Forward Workshop 2: Know Your Numbers; Financial Reality Check for Recovery
DESCRIPTION:This workshop provides a candid look at your financial health through key metrics: liabilities\, assets\, revenue streams\, and accounts receivable. You’ll walk away with a clear financial snapshot that shows where your business stands today—and what that means for recovery. Learn how to assess viability\, identify red flags\, and build a strong base for growth-oriented financial strategies. Knowing your numbers is the first step in making them work for you.
URL:https://wpengine.mountainbizworks.org/event/future-forward-workshop-2-know-your-numbers-financial-reality-check-for-recovery/
LOCATION:Mountain BizWorks Asheville Office\, 153 S Lexington Avenue\, Asheville\, NC\, 28801\, United States
CATEGORIES:Event,In-Person,Learn,Mountain BizWorks Event,Recovery Workshop
GEO:35.590696;-82.552115
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Mountain BizWorks Asheville Office 153 S Lexington Avenue Asheville NC 28801 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=153 S Lexington Avenue:geo:-82.552115,35.590696
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250729T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250729T110000
DTSTAMP:20260426T054624
CREATED:20250502T215519Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250502T215532Z
UID:10002814-1753783200-1753786800@wpengine.mountainbizworks.org
SUMMARY:Orientation Session
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an information session to discover what resources are available at Mountain BizWorks that will help you start\, grow\, and thrive in your business. Hosted by our Learning Programs Coordinator\, Amanda Ross\, this session is a great opportunity to learn more about Mountain BizWorks’ small business lending and learning programs.
URL:https://wpengine.mountainbizworks.org/event/orientation-session-57/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Online — Zoom\, NC
CATEGORIES:Event,Learn,Online,Orientation Session
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250731T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250731T160000
DTSTAMP:20260426T054624
CREATED:20250617T175028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T175028Z
UID:10002834-1753952400-1753977600@wpengine.mountainbizworks.org
SUMMARY:Show Ready: Strategies for Craft Show Success
DESCRIPTION:Workshop Description: \nThis course outlines essential tools and strategies for preparing to sell your work at a craft show or market. From booth setup and pricing to branding and customer engagement\, we’ll cover key logistics that often get overlooked while artists are focused on producing the work itself. Whether you’re planning your first show or looking to improve your market presence\, this course is designed to help you show up prepared\, polished\, and ready to sell. \nThe class will run 9:00 am – 4:00 pm\, with a 1-hour lunch break at about noon. Catered lunch is included in the ticket price. \nInstructor Bio: \nLaura Wood is a full-time jewelry artist living in Asheville\, North Carolina. Her creative practice began in dance and shifted to contemporary jewelry in college\, at University of Georgia\, where she was introduced to jewelry and metalsmithing. A performative arts background continues to influence her work. Sculptural forms are thoughtfully engineered for the body and are intended to contribute to a daily experience. \nHer jewelry is represented in galleries and exhibitions nationally and internationally and has exhibited in widely celebrated craft expositions including the Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington\, DC\, American Craft Council Show in Baltimore\, MD\, and Sculpture\, Objects\, Functional Art and Design Expo (SOFA) in Chicago\, Illinois. Her retail store\, opened in 2024\, is located in the River Arts District of Asheville\, NC. \nLaura’s work is among the permanent collections of the Gregg Museum of Art at North Carolina State University (NC)\, The Racine Art  Museum (WI)\, The Mint Museum (NC)\,  The Enamel Arts Foundation in Los Angeles (CA)\, The Philadelphia Museum of Art (PA)\, Yale University Art Gallery (CT)\, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AR) and The Crocker Art Museum (CA). \nLaura completed a three-year term in the resident artist program at Penland School of Craft (2017-2020). She is the founding voice of the annual ECU Symposium (2010) and co-founder of Jewelry Edition (2012-2021). The retail store\, Laura Wood Jewelry opened in the River Arts District\, Asheville\, NC in 2024. She earned a BFA from the University of Georgia (2007) and an MFA in metal design from East Carolina University (2011).
URL:https://wpengine.mountainbizworks.org/event/craft-your-commerce-show-ready/
LOCATION:Center for Craft\, 67 Broadway St\, Asheville\, 28801\, United States
CATEGORIES:Class,Craft Your Commerce,In-Person,Learn
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR