increased by 61.9% when compared to November 2008

A Strong Business Community Thrives on Entrepreneurial Spirit in Western North Carolina by Nora Hall
Asheville residents have a BUY LOCAL attitude and, since Downtown Asheville has been dominated by locally owned and operated businesses since population growth really started to pick up in the 1990's, most large chains and corporate businesses chose to locate just along the edge of downtown. The percentage of self-employed workers in Asheville is much higher than the state or national average. Local small and medium size businesses are supported by a variety of local organizations such as: The Small Business Incubator, Asheville SCORE, The SBTDC (Small Business and Technology Development Center) and Mountain Bizworks. Throughout Asheville's history men and women, artists and business owners, young and old have prospered because they chose to follow, build and share their personal and professional dreams.
A Professional Atmosphere Rooted in Passion, Originality, Creativity and Inspiration
In the North Carolina mountains business is not "as usual". In Asheville, companies are just as likely to collaborate with competitors, as they are to compete against them. Cooperation and professional support between businesses is common. The success of one company affects the success of the community as a whole and Asheville professionals seem fully aware. The one thing many Asheville business owners and professionals who've relocated in recent years share is that they moved to Western North Carolina because of the high quality of life. When you live somewhere you love it makes everything richer, this is why the business community of Asheville celebrates qualities like passion, originality, creativity and inspiration,5819 Ugg Classic Cardy Black Boots. As small business owners,doesn't it, innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals we must be motivated and driven; this is what allows us to accomplish our goals and build a strong, economically sound, thriving city.
Economic Growth in Asheville and throughout Western North Carolina
In 2009 Asheville struggled with economic issues, rising unemployment rates and a major slow down in the real estate and construction industries. There were however some bright spots throughout the year, despite the national slump.  The Asheville Chamber of Commerce and the Asheville Metro Business Research Center reported (1) heavy job loss in the Manufacturing and Construction industries, as well as a large increase in jobs available in the Health Services and Private Education sector. The report also cites that although the city of Asheville's unemployment rate did increase between November 2008 and November 2009, the city did not see the same percentage increase that surrounding counties experienced. (2) Currently the majority of local businesses seem to have weathered the storm and downtown continues to develop and welcome new companies to the scene.
Asheville's Commercial Real Estate and Housing Market
It's impossible to talk about business without talking about real estate. Most business owners know real estate, whether commercial or residential, is a sound investment. Asheville continues to grow in many ways, even though real estate everywhere has experienced a slow down last year,such as cardiac arrest or electrolyte imbalance. The total number of homes sold in November 2009 (204) increased by 61.9% when compared to November 2008 (126) and the average price home price dropped by approximately $20,000, which makes buying a home in Asheville much more affordable. (3) Commercial real estate in Asheville is a fascinating business. There are countless real estate options to purchase new construction or rehab and older building, whether it be River District warehouses or downtown lofts; from residential or retail space at the Grove Arcade to secluded homes with a mountain view.
Asheville, NC is truly a unique city, one that attracts professionals and entrepreneurs of the creative class. No one knows what tomorrow will bring, but being part of a community that provides support, encouragement and resources to all shapes and sizes of contributing businesses is a great start to a bright future,as I participated in most things that children did.
(1, 2, 3) Asheville MSA Industry Employment Change November Year Over Year