Support the Walker-Wilson Entrepreneurial Empowerment Fund

I try not to make too many straight-out endorsements, but sometimes I just can’t resist. One of the most important, influential people in Asheville is about to start a new life journey, and folks, you should support him.

Greg Walker-Wilson, the executive director of Mountain BizWorks, has resigned his post to move his family to South America and follow a calling to volunteer his time to help people. For the last decade, Walker-Wilson has led Mountain BizWorks here in Asheville. It used to be called the Mountain Micro-enterprise Fund, and it offers financial support and training to entrepreneurs getting small businesses of the ground.

Everyone likes to talk about how great of a small business climate we’ve got in Asheville. Few chain stores, and lots of innovative, creative, energetic entrepreneurs giving it a go. You know why that is? In large part, it’s due to the networking, training and support offered by Walker-Wilson and Mountain BizWorks.

Walker-Wilson and the nonprofit have to be one of the most influential local nonprofits in Asheville. I dare you to find a small business owner in Asheville who hasn’t had contact with Mountain BizWorks in some form or fashion. Their reach is incredible, essential, and growing.

But as usual, the leader and his group don’t often get a lot of high profile notice. That’s because Walker-Wilson is a low-key kind of guy, and Asheville has just taken for granted the services offered by the top-notch BizWorks.

Here’s your chance to show your love and support, Asheville. On Thursday, there will be lunch event held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Steak & Wine on Patton Avenue in downtown. The cost is a mere $25 per person. I’ve heard that there’s still plenty of space available.

If you can’t do that, consider a donation to the Greg Walker-Wilson Entrepreneurial Empowerment Fund. Every dollar given will be matched with a dollar for the fund.

Get out and support Walker-Wilson, as well as small business development in Asheville. Do it.

For more information, call Mountain BizWorks at 253-2834, or e-mail info@mountainbizworks.org.