About Black Wall Street AVL
Building Opportunity Through Black Business.
Black Wall Street AVL is a grassroots business incubator based in Asheville, North Carolina. We help Black entrepreneurs access coaching, connections, opportunities, and community support to build sustainable businesses and help revitalize Black Wall Street.
Our Mission
We Start, Grow, and Expand Black Businesses.
Our mission is to help revitalize Black Wall Street by creating the support, relationships, and opportunities Black entrepreneurs need to move their businesses forward.
Our Story
A Community Response That Became a Movement.
Black Wall Street AVL began in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, as local leaders responded to economic disparities affecting Asheville’s Black business community. The work also emerged during a period of national reckoning following the murder of George Floyd and amid continuing concerns about gentrification and access to opportunity in Asheville.
The organization recognized the need for a dedicated space where Black business owners could build relationships, access resources, and receive practical support.
With funding from the NC IDEA Foundation, the original initiative planned to enroll 20 Black businesses and help them generate $250,000 in collective revenue. Instead, 74 businesses participated, generating more than $1 million and creating 22 jobs.
In 2021, Black Wall Street AVL became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with GRIND, LLC supporting the work as a social enterprise. The organization continues to bridge economic gaps and remove barriers that prevent entrepreneurs of color from thriving.
Founder’s Story
Dr. J. Hackett
Dr. J. Hackett is a reentry citizen and entrepreneur whose experience shaped his understanding of the barriers that can stand between a promising idea and a sustainable business.
He helped initiate Black Wall Street AVL by bringing local people together around a shared response to economic disparities in Asheville. His vision was not simply to provide information, but to create a supportive community where Black entrepreneurs could gain access to coaching, relationships, resources, and real opportunities.
What began as an effort to support an initial group of local businesses has grown into a nonprofit organization working to expand economic opportunity, strengthen community connections, and help Black-owned businesses thrive.
Our Approach
Support That Goes Beyond Business Advice.
Cohort-Based Learning
Entrepreneurs learn alongside peers, building accountability, shared knowledge, and a supportive business community.
Coaching and Mentorship
Participants receive practical guidance tailored to their business needs, goals, and stage of development.
Connections and Opportunity
Black Wall Street AVL connects entrepreneurs with partners, customers, industry professionals, capital resources, and revenue-generating opportunities.
Barrier-Aware Support
The organization recognizes that transportation, childcare, housing, trauma, and financial constraints can affect business progress and works to connect entrepreneurs with meaningful support.
Leadership and Governance
Current Leadership and Board
Dr. J. Hackett
Chairman of the Board
Black Wall Street AVL
Bruce Waller
Executive Director
Kairos Carolina Digital
Kristen Allen
Board Member
Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Masica Jordan
Board Member
Bowie State University
Carlton Dagger
Board Member
Retired Logistics Professional
Help Build the Conditions for Black Businesses to Thrive.
Support Black Wall Street AVL’s work to expand access, strengthen businesses, and create lasting economic opportunity.