Here’s a comment worth mulling by loyal reader Linda:
As a business owner looking for better space I am very aware of the high rents in the area. I have watched spaces sit empty for years and when I inquire about the rent it is so high I would be bankrupt in a season. I found alternative space.
Market rules do not seem to apply. Wouldn’t it be better to rent space 365 days a year for a lower amount than to let it sit empty and get nothing? We are willing to invest in low income housing, (which I do support), but not in business real estate that would let local businesses survive. Advertising, taxes, rent and insurance for health, and liability all make it extremely difficult for the small business owner.
Supporting local business goes far beyond shopping at local businesses. We can wait for the Federal Government to do something or we can take local initiatives. I would be extremely interested in joining with others who have ideas about what could be done here. Helping small business means more local jobs, lower prices for customers and a healthier economy. Asheville is rich in talent. Let’s keep it here.
Linda Schlensker
lindaschlensker@gmail.com
3 Comments
Dear Curious- we did ALL that and it made no difference to our small business. They can’t change landlords’ greed.
I am looking to be more active as I have more time. At the current time, I teach dance full time, then I do the cleaning, the books, the advertising, respond to emails… All so I can keep prices down for my customers. This is the lot of most small business owners. We are not as active as we would like to be because we don’t have time to sleep. My business partner, Lee Smith, is in the same situation. We have been doing this for 10 years now. We are not unique among small business owners. Most of us would like to be able to do less ourselves and provide jobs for others. I could hire, but I could not afford to provide job and health insurance for someone. Until I can provide the health insurance I won’t ask someone to work for me.
Why isn’t this person involved with MountainBizWorks and its Women’s Business Center? What about the North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center, which has an office in Asheville? Are she and her business participating in the Asheville Chamber’s Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department? Asheville Ballroom & Dance Centre is a member of the Chamber; why isn’t Blueridge Ballroom?