BRCC Flat Rock Lake
BRCC Small Business Center Shines with Statewide Award
If you’re considering a move to Hendersonville, NC, let us introduce you to just one example of the area’s dynamic and supportive community: Blue Ridge Community College’s (BRCC) Small Business Center. Recently honored with the 2025 “Business Success Story – Overcoming Challenges” Award by the North Carolina Community College System’s Small Business Center Network, this center showcases the kind of innovation and collaboration that makes living in Hendersonville such a fulfilling experience.
Why the BRCC Small Business Center Matters
The award celebrates not just a moment of achievement but an ongoing dedication to helping small businesses thrive—even in the face of adversity. As Anne Shaw, the Network’s state director, highlighted, this recognition goes to those who “embody the very best of the Small Business Center Network.” BRCC’s win underscores its creativity, resilience, and commitment to the entrepreneurial heartbeat of Western North Carolina.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or preparing to relocate to Hendersonville, this achievement highlights a key local strength: an educational and economic infrastructure that empowers residents and fuels growth. The Small Business Center provides accessible resources like workshops, mentoring, and networking opportunities that help new businesses get off the ground and existing ones find new ways to adapt and succeed.
A Beacon for Entrepreneurs in WNC
The BRCC Small Business Center isn’t just a place to get business advice—it’s a launchpad for dreams. It offers everything from one-on-one counseling to accelerator programs tailored to the specific needs of Western North Carolina entrepreneurs. In a region known for its artisans, makers, brewers, and creatives, that kind of tailored attention makes all the difference.
This recognition sends a clear message: if you’re planning to start your business journey or expand an existing venture, BRCC’s Small Business Center should be one of your first stops. It’s one more example of the unbeatable support system available when living in Hendersonville.
What This Means for the Community
Programs like this don’t exist in isolation. They help democratize opportunity, build wealth locally, and strengthen the bonds of our community. For newcomers moving to Hendersonville, it means you’re stepping into a town that actively supports your personal and professional journey. The interconnectedness between education, economic development, and quality of life is part of what makes this region so rewarding to call home.
Recognition like this also encourages collaboration between residents, entrepreneurs, and institutions. It’s not just about economic sustainability—it’s about building a place where people can grow together. Efforts like BRCC’s show what’s possible when small towns invest in big dreams.
Thinking of Starting a Business Here?
If the thought of starting fresh in a vibrant, entrepreneurial town excites you, you’re not alone. Residents new to the area often ask, “What’s it like living in Hendersonville?” The answer starts with people—and their vision. It’s a place that nurtures creators and supports changemakers, whether you’re opening a coffee shop, launching a tech venture, or managing a boutique farm-to-table brand.
Here are a few reasons the business-friendly vibe in Hendersonville is booming:
- Support Networks: From BRCC to area chambers and nonprofit groups, resources are plentiful and easy to tap into.
- Active Events Calendar: Local festivals, seasonal markets, and creative industry meetups give startups lots of opportunities to connect with the community.
- Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to major metro areas, Hendersonville offers business owners a chance to stretch their startup funds even further.
- Scenic Working Environment: Let’s not forget—you’ll be working where others vacation. That’s a work/life balance perk you won’t find just anywhere.
Final Thoughts
From award-winning support centers to a lifestyle that’s both inspiring and enriching, Hendersonville continues to rise as a hotspot for entrepreneurs and dreamers alike. The BRCC Small Business Center’s 2025 recognition is more than just a certificate—it’s a sign of sustained excellence in helping people turn ideas into impact.
So, whether you’re exploring things to do in Hendersonville, or you’re ready to stake your claim in this thriving community, remember: the future is being built here one bold idea at a time. And the support to make it happen is standing by, ready to help you every step of the way.