Last Thursday, we kicked off 2019 at Hatchet Coffee’s new space for the January Silicon Hollar Startup Social! 50+ local entrepreneurs, community members, and business owners gathered at Hatchet to enjoy specialty coffee, local brews and networking. Special thanks to our monthly drink sponsors, Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Booneshine Brewing Co. and Hatchet!
Startup Social attendees enjoyed open networking and many took part in getting a free professional headshot. We would like to thank J. Chew Photography for the awesome set up and providing free head shots for local entrepreneurs at this event!
Everyone gathered around and James Bance, Co-Founder of Startup High Country opened us up with quick Silicon Hollar updates and by thanking our host and drink sponsors.
Jeremy Bollman, co-founder of Hatchet Coffee took the floor to discuss their new space and the exciting new opportunities instore for the community at their coffee shop. Starting this week, Hatchet will host Pop-up Coworking on Tuesday evenings from 6-8 PM to accommodate local entrepreneurs.
Brandon Hall, co-founder of ChurchLearn discussed their startup business and that they officially launched their friends and family raise opportunity! They have had great traction as a company and with the Friends and Family round. Email brandon@churchlearn.com for more info!
Joe Furman from Watauga EDC mentioned the NC Rural Center Thread Capital Lending opportunity for small businesses. Thread Capital provides small businesses access to the capital, coaching and connections they need. Apply now!
James Wilkes, CEO of Hive Tracks is launching a crowdfunded documentary, Chasing Sourwood. Stay tuned for more info on this awesome business venture! Sullivan Wilkes, James’ son and business partner mentioned his Backyard Beehive endeavor where he provides hive keeping, consulting and sells bees/honey.
Jeffrey Scott, Co-Founder of Startup High Country discussed last year’s Velocity Labs course and that because of grant funding there will be another course coming this spring! Learn more and apply here. Jeffrey is also facilitating an upcoming Mountain Bizworks Invested Course: An Investment Crowdfunding Learning Journey beginning later this week! Learn more and apply here.
Chris Grasinger, another Co-Founder of Startup High Country mentioned Mountain Bizworks Boone Foundations Course coming up in February that will be facilitated by Athalia Whitworth. Learn more and apply here.
Miah Zimmerman, Owner of Canvas Beauty Bar recently launched her new social networking website for the beauty industry, canvassocial.com. Be sure to check it out!
Taylor Drouet with The Dynamic Body is introducing a new class series called Balanced Bodies Bootcamp(B3). The intention of the class is for you to feel more confident and alive in your body. This dynamic high energy series focuses on building core strength, stability, and mobility while training healthy joints and healthy bodies. Taylor also does Massage Therapy and teaches private lessons for Functional Movement. All of these modalities focus on unwinding into freedom, access, and ease so that you can love living in your body. Please call or email Taylor if you have any questions or you want schedule an appointment. 541-510-8487, healingthedynamicbody@gmail.com.
Christina Bailey invited everyone to attend Boone’s Winter Farmers Market every 1st and 3rd Saturday through April. She also mentioned Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture’s upcoming Farm to Table Dinner Series at local restaurants! Christina invites everyone to shop local through the High Country Food Hub as well!
David Jackson, President/CEO of Boone Area Chamber of Commerce added that the High Country Food Hub (recent Velocity Labs graduate) was also just named BAC Startup Business of the Year!
Davis Parker is launching a new mobile app called Draba in March at Black Cat in downtown Boone! Draba is a curated digital marketplace that connects buyers to unique creative goods and services, provided by local sellers.
George Smith, President/CEO of Copper Barrel Distillery would like to personally extend a warm invitation for Silicon Hollar members and friends to participate in Copper Barrel’s Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, April 20, 2019! There are a few vendor spots left, so those who would like to showcase their products at the event should fill out and submit a Vendor Application. This event is a fundraiser for the Fallen Outdoors. Please see a summary of the planned activities below. This year’s event is shaping up to be our biggest and most successful yet! Tickets will be available to purchase on Eventbrite within the next week or so. Please do not hesitate to contact George directly (at 704-269-8697) if you have any questions or need additional information.
Erich Schlenker, Managing Director of the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship mentioned their upcoming Ideation Workshop on February 21st. More details to come.
Dallas from Great State Brewery and Wired Man Coffee Shop, both located in Wilkesboro invited everyone to make a trip down the mountain to enjoy a coffee or a beer in a great atmosphere!
Thanks again to all those that attended this month’s event! Thank you for always supporting our entrepreneurial efforts here in the High Country. Stay tuned for information regarding our February Startup Social!
