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NATIONAL PROGRAM RESULTS 

Based on 2019 Assessment Data, collected by Interise

  • 64% of alumni businesses increased or maintained their annual revenues, with an average annual revenue growth of 21%.
  • 80% of alumni businesses reported being profitable.
  • $526 million in government contracting secured by alumni businesses.
  • 67% of alumni CEOs stay connected to fellow participants, with 32% doing business with each other.
  • 63% of alumni businesses added or retained jobs.


BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 

  • Business owner or CEO
  • $150,000 - $5,000,000 in annual revenues.
  • One other employee besides the owner(s).
  • Been in business for at least 2 years.
  • Willingness and ability to attend a 6-month course, complete mandatory assignments, and complete program surveys as requested. 
  • Located in Buncombe, Haywood, Jackson, Transylvania, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, McDowell, Yancey or Madison County.



Are you ready to move your business to the next level, but not sure how to get there? Enroll today in the AVL Pathways to Grow program. Get the business knowledge, management know-how, and networks needed to grow your business. Accelerate your business to increase your revenue, create jobs and positively impact your community. 

Take Your Business To The Next Level!

GET MORE INFO/APPLY TODAY!

Applications are due by Sunday  December 5, 2021

MEET THE GRADUATES

POWERED BY

SUPPORTIVE BUSINESS NETWORK
 Once connected, business owners have this revelation: “I don’t have to be alone.” As a participant, you’ll be surrounded by CEOs, like you, who will become your trusted advisors. There is also an alumni group of CEOs, living around the country, for you to connect with for advice and business opportunities.
PRACTICAL BUSINESS EDUCATION
AVL Pathways to Grow is the City of Asheville Business Inclusion Office Initiative, powered by Interise's award-winning StreetWise 'MBA'™ curriculum. This hands-on program provides the knowledge and know-how business owners need to create (and manage) a customized, three-year strategic growth plan.
ACCESS TO CAPITAL & CONTRACTING 
 Prepare for opportunities with government and anchor institutions, and learn from experts in the field of both public and private lending. Preparation for contracting success is a unique feature of the StreetWise 'MBA'™

POWERED BY

AVL Pathways to Grow Program Overview

GET MORE INFO * APPLY TODAY

Robert Grooms
Queen Boss Construction, LLC 

"The courses are so in-depth and leave you wanting to learn more.  We are leaving with a growth plan that will be reviewed and vetted by peers and mentors.  This program gives us tools to add to our toolbox!” 
Terry Sowells

SCMU, Inc.

"Since the program, I have worked on two city contracts and two projects with one of the general contractors that supported the program. In a year’s time of starting the program, I have doubled my revenue and number of employees.”
Reena Powers

S&B Computer and Office Products, Inc.

“The program us has given me the time to take a step back from the day to day operations of the business to put together a strategic growth plan. The connections and relationships built within the program are invaluable!” 
Maria Camacho, 

CS Plumbing, Inc.

“I am more confident that I am capable of applying all that I have learned and see my company grow and surpass the goals set for the next 3 years.” 
Hui Chang
H T & J, LLC
"Prior to the program, I won only one government project; however, post BUH I’ve won eight more government contracts as a Prime.  In addition to keeping most of the repeating clients, my company gained 12 new public and private clients combined and as a result, increased workload volume and created three additional job positions. 

The program provides all the basic tools a business owner needs to manage, finance, and market his/her business.  Even more important, the program provides the opportunity to know many MWDBE business owners whom you want to build your strategic partnership with to promote business as a team.  The bonding of the partnership is the best marketing effort you will ever invest in."

Charu Jain

Gasochem International

The program is great for small business owners who want to grow their business organically. During the program, I learned how to reduce my costs and what I was missing in my business.  After this program, I corrected my methodology, procedures, and strategies; as a result, my business is achieving success. Recently, I’ve won some big contracts and as per the projections, I will be able to meet $2 million in revenues this year."