Polk County is now a Certified Entrepreneurial Community. This promotes a positive attitude in the area for new, small-scale businesses and brings support to encourage these opportunities. Women of Polk County are now able to participate in a series of tailor-made business training meetings to help grow and maintain strong and productive businesses through HandMade in America’s Appalachian Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program.

The AWE program was formed some years ago by the HandMade in America, an economic development nonprofit that serves the 25 counties of Western North Carolina (WNC). The AWE Program consists of two-hour meetings held each month.

If you are a woman starting a new business, thinking seriously about starting a business, or you already have a business but would like more guidance, the AWE program may be for you. Polk County’s first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 6, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Polk County Library, 1289 W. Mills St., Columbus, N.C. 28722.

The first AWE meeting will be an organizational meeting to learn what types of business topics will best serve the women of Polk County. It is important that interested women attend and express their needs. The meetings are for most types of businesses, including those learning to promote and sell their arts, crafts and products.

Unlike other AWE meetings throughout WNC, these meetings are free to the women of Polk County thanks to a grant from the Polk County Economic Development Commission. For more information or to RSVP contact Ernie Kan at erniekan@yahoo.com or 828-899-5111.

The AWE program teaches the necessary skills to develop and manage a small business in today’s difficult economic climate.

AWE is generously supported by Webb Investments, The Windgate Charitable Foundation, Economic Justice Fund of Tides Foundation, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, Asheville Merchant’s Fund and North Carolina Arts Council.

HandMade in America grows economies through craft and creative placemaking, transforming both individuals and communities through entrepreneurship and economic development. HandMade in America has a 19-year tradition for pioneering innovative ways to empower the people and towns of Western North Carolina through programs that educate and facilitate the needs of creative entrepreneurs and communities. Visit handmadeinamerica.org or call 828-252-0121 for further info.

– article submitted by Ernie Kan