The City of Asheville is getting closer to launching its Small Business Support Program, which will distribute up to $15.5 million in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to help restore and revitalize Asheville’s small-business sector. Most grant programs are expected to open this spring or summer.

The best thing businesses can do right now is to get paperwork in order. Here’s what you’ll need to apply:

Required at application:

• 2023 and 2024 taxes completed and filed
• 2025 taxes filed, OR a 2025 Profit & Loss Statement completed

More documents to have ready:

• 2024 and 2025 Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statements
• 2024 and 2025 Profit & Loss Statements
• Proof of Business Ownership
• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number
• Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code
• North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code

Between now and mid-July, Explore Asheville's Business Development team has booked 70 meetings and events that will bring thousands of visitors to Asheville and Buncombe County, with an estimated $12.6 million in direct spending. These are travelers who are already here for events and meetings, and will be looking for places to eat, drink, shop, and explore.

Take a look at some of the largest groups coming to town below—it may spark some ideas for summer offers such as a tournament-week deal, a group-friendly experience, targeted specials, or even a chalkboard sign welcoming a specific group. If you put together any deals, don’t forget to list them on the Packages and Deals page of ExploreAsheville.com through the Partner Portal.

Upcoming large groups (300+ attendees) include: 

Explore Asheville and the PGA TOUR invite our travel and hospitality partners to an afternoon of connection, conversation, and learning ahead of the Biltmore Championship Asheville. Whether you're looking to participate, support, or simply learn more, this is a great chance to plug in early and be part of the momentum building around this marquee event.

What You’ll Learn:

• Key dates, including ticket sales and what to expect in the months ahead
• Opportunities to get involved, from volunteering and Birdies for Charity to Beer Garden and on-site activations
• Ways to align your business through sponsorship, hospitality, and engagement opportunities
• How this event can support visibility, growth, and community impact
  
  

We know some of you have been fielding tough questions lately. We want to make sure you have what you need to answer them with confidence. In response to recent coverage about Downtown Asheville, we've updated this article as a reminder that, as with any city, there are reasonable precautions visitors can take to have a safe and enjoyable experience. The article includes a practical list of safety tips, along with current resources from the Asheville Downtown Improvement District, the Asheville Police Department, and the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office—all actively working to keep residents and guests safe.

Local restaurant and lodging owners and operators are invited to the Asheville edition of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) Hospitality Summit Series. The Summit is designed to bring together NCRLA members, prospective members, and key stakeholders for meaningful dialogue, real-time updates, and practical takeaways—while also creating space to connect with peers from across the region.

Featured speakers:

• NC Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt, in conversation with NCRLA President & CEO Allen Thomas
• President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association Rosanna Maietta, on national hotel trends and economic forecasts
• William Dissen, 2026 Restaurateur of the Year (The Market Place), and Susan Dosier, destination PR strategist and former Southern Living food editor, on the realities of operating hospitality businesses today

Register today and join us for a morning of policy updates, timely industry insights, and regional networking.

A huge thank you to every partner who came together for this year’s Travel & Hospitality Earth Day Cleanup. Together, we fanned out across Buncombe County and collected more than 2,570 pounds of trash in a single day. Special thanks to Asheville GreenWorks, MountainTrue, and RiverLink for not only making it happen, but also for helping protect our community year-round. We’re grateful for the partner support from Village Pub, Hi-Wire Brewing, Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food, Cellarest Beer Project (Kenny's Pizza), and The Grey Eagle & Taqueria for a much-appreciated post-cleanup cheers. We can’t wait to do it again next year! 

The Asheville Chamber’s Riverbird Research team recently launched the third and final Business Response Survey to better understand current conditions across Western North Carolina, a year and a half after Hurricane Helene. Businesses of all sizes, industries, and operating conditions are encouraged to participate. The survey is anonymous, and upon completion, you may also opt to enter a drawing for one of five $100 gift cards to a Western North Carolina restaurant of your choice, courtesy of the Asheville Chamber.