Blue Ridge Food Ventures

04/15/2026

FYI!

09/24/2025

Have you ever thought of making a new food product or maybe expanding on a food business you already have? Getting from the initial ideas or dreams to reality is a process and there are organizations and programs that are out there that can help you make sure you are in compliance with any regulations you need to follow as well as help you find support that can make your food business successful. Whether you are farm hoping to expand your products or an established business wanting to add new products or maybe a food truck or someone just wanting to see if something you make at home for friends and family may be worth expanding into a food business, this program might be for you.

The Ins and Outs of Having a NC Food Business will bring together those that can help you understand what you need from a solid business plan to what regulations are out there to where you want to produce your product to what other needs you may have to make sure your product will be profitable and safe.

Changed Date: Wednesday November12, 2025 at ABTech Enka Campus, Business Incubation and Small Business Center.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-ins-and-outs-of-having-a-north-carolina-food-business-tickets-1693607659099?aff=oddtdtcreator

For more information email [email protected]

This program is for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are looking to start or expand a food business in North Carolina!

09/24/2025

FYI: The Asheville Local Lab, a learning lab series for the food and beverage industry here in the WNC region conducting industry wide research for best practices, will bring together the food and beverage manufacturing sector to define strategies to overcome challenges while starting, scaling, and sustaining businesses in the region.

There are multiple learning events coming up in October as follows:

1) SCALING UP: Exploring strategies and barriers to scaling food and beverage manufacturing in Western North Carolina. An online discussion to be held on Wednesday October 8th at 9:30 am;

2) RAISING DOUGH: Creative Funding Strategies for Food/Beverage Manufacturers. Part of an online learning series to be held Wednesday October 15 from 1pm to 2pm.

3) RISING TOGETHER: Advancing Food & Beverage Product Businesses in Western North Carolina. This is an in-person full day of workshops and brainstorming sessions, designed to bring together food business owners and service providers to forge stronger collaboration and to explore new possibilities in our local value-added food scene. This is going to be held Thursday October 30 in Highland Brewing's barrel room. Program activities run from 9am to 3:30pm followed by networking and happy hour. This is going to be a fun day, and I really, really hope you can attend.

The Asheville Local Lab will bring together the food and beverage manufacturing sector to define strategies to overcome challenges while starting, scaling, and sustaining businesses in the region.

03/24/2025

https://www.ncsbc.net/center.aspx?center=75310&subloc=11

12/09/2024

We are excited to announce that the Center for Agricultural and Food Entrepreneurship received $148K in generous funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation for our project "Expanding FDA Manufacturing Capacity for Mountain Businesses" - the Golden LEAF Board of Directors approved this funding to help BRFV purchase on-site equipment to expand our manufacturing capacity and efficiency.

Check out the link below to learn more about the incredible ways that Golden LEAF is helping BRFV and supporting workforce preparedness, job creation and economic investment projects in NC:

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., (December 5, 2024) – Yesterday, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $2 million in funding to support workforce

10/23/2024

Anybody need some ice?

Thank to the Teamsters Union for dropping off a pallet at Blue Ridge Food Ventures!

10/22/2024

The facility has a 330G water tote on-site that we are trying to keep filled for client businesses to return to operations under their respective Emergency Operations Plans, but since we do not have a truck for transport (or a forklift that could lift over 2800 #) , it has been difficult for us to source larger volumes of water consistently.

As we are beginning to run low, can anyone point us to a reliable source of potable water that can be pumped on-site into an existing tote? Much gratitude for your information!

10/14/2024

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-imladris-farms-after-helene

Dear Supporters, Imladris Farm, a cornerstone of our community in … Imladris Farm needs your support for Help Rebuild Imladris Farm After Hurricane Helene

06/25/2024

Apply Now for the SBTDC’s Taking the Leap to Kickstart Your Business Venture!

Embarking on a business journey without proper guidance can feel overwhelming. Why take the leap without the essential tools for success?

06/20/2024

Farmers! Come to a free workshop on getting started with (or scaling up) value-added foods, which can diversify your market offerings, make high-value products out of less-than-perfect produce, and prevent food waste. The workshop is June 25, 1 to 2:30, at WNC FoodWorks Training and Education Center at the WNC Farmers Market. Find out more and register at: mountainbizworks.org/partnership-asap/

Thank you to workshop partners Mountain BizWorks, Blue Ridge Food Ventures, and Southern Extension Risk Management Education!

04/03/2024

Y'all check out one of our newest BRFV clients, Queeney Kimchi!

If you like kimchi (we loooove it!) you would be well served by tracking down a jar or three.

An Asheville couple leave their corporate jobs to make kimchi; a new coffee and baked goods purveyor opens in Black Mountain, Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food gets extended hours and location, and more.