Our Work
Programs Designed to Turn Opportunity Into Sustainable Growth.
Black Wall Street AVL combines entrepreneurship support, community connections, youth development, resilience resources, and cultural programming to help Black businesses and communities build lasting economic opportunity.
Supporting the Whole Entrepreneur.
Business growth does not happen through information alone. Entrepreneurs also need trusted relationships, practical guidance, access to markets, and support navigating the personal and systemic barriers that can affect their progress. Black Wall Street AVL’s programs are built around those realities.
Entrepreneurship and Tourism
GATE Program
The GATE Program helps Black entrepreneurs participate more fully in Asheville’s tourism economy. It supports entrepreneurs at different stages, from people developing new ideas to established businesses seeking opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and related industries.
Program components
- 12 monthly cohort meetings
- Two entrepreneurial retreats
- Individualized coaching
- Industry networking and partnerships
- Business-readiness education
- Referrals to relevant resources and opportunities
- Support addressing barriers to participation
- Revenue-generating opportunities throughout the year
Connections and Supplier Diversity
10,000 Connections
10,000 Connections is an initiative designed to create and document meaningful connections among individuals, businesses, community programs, and potential partners. Its focus includes tourism, hospitality, arts, and culture.
The initiative works to strengthen partnerships, increase supplier diversity, connect Black and Brown-owned businesses with opportunities, and provide technical assistance that can contribute to business growth and revenue generation.
Youth Entrepreneurship
Black Wall Street Jr.
Black Wall Street Jr. helps Black youth explore their gifts and talents through entrepreneurship. Young people develop business ideas while strengthening practical math, reading, critical-thinking, and local-history skills.
The program is designed for BIPOC youth ages 12–24 in communities served by Asheville City Schools who have business ideas but may lack access to the knowledge, resources, and networks needed to pursue them.
Program goal: Serve 50 BIPOC youth.
Resilience and Recovery
The REACH Hub
The REACH Hub is a locally led, community-centered resource in Asheville created to help individuals and small businesses heal, prepare, recover, and thrive. It connects immediate recovery support with longer-term stability and opportunity.
Core areas of support
- Wellness and peer support
- Disaster education and preparedness
- Financial coaching and job training
- Small-business and gig-worker support
- Emergency digital access and tools
Residents help shape services, guide investments, and inform the Hub’s work so that recovery remains relevant, equitable, and locally led.
Signature Annual Event
GRINDfest
GRINDfest is Black Wall Street AVL’s signature annual celebration of Black business, entrepreneurship, culture, and community resilience. It provides Black entrepreneurs, artists, and families with a high-visibility platform to reach customers, build relationships, access opportunities, and celebrate community.
Help Expand Access to Opportunity.
Support programs that connect entrepreneurs and communities with coaching, relationships, resources, and opportunities for sustainable growth.