Happy Springtime!

It’s been a beautiful beginning of the season here in the Southern Appalachian mountains, and since we’ve seen the of the last snowfall (hopefully!), the earth has come alive with forsythia, bloodroot, daffodil, quince, crocus, hyacinth, violet, chickweed, nettle, and all manner of green and growing things.

My family has a long-awaited overseas vacation coming up, and when we get back, I’m so excited to launch three classes and participate in several events. I’m thankful to be able to continue to partner with clients and communities towards the empowerment of women and people of color and the strengthening of the local food and farming economy.

March 30: 100 days coalition part 3 // coalición de 100 días parte 3.

Hosted by CIMA- Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Acción, and the Center for Participatory Change, the 100 Days Coalition is a series of assemblies planned to bring people together to analyze the threats before us and create and share strategies, while holding and standing by each other. Join us at 62 State St. (Omega Middle School) in Asheville NC from 5-8pm, for the third and last 100 Days Coalition assembly. Childcare and Spanish language interpretation will be provided.

April 8th: Community Benefit Dinner for High Country CSA’s Cost Share Program

I’ve had the pleasure of working for the past 7 months with the High Country CSA, a multi-farm Community Supported Agriculture business, on their strategic planning process. I’ve loved getting to know this group of intrepid farmers and I’m so excited for the launch of their spring CSA season, kicking off with a benefit for their Cost Share program on Saturday, April 8th at Kindly Kitchen in Boone, NC. The cost share program enables low-resource community members to have access to fresh, local, organic foods through a weekly affordable CSA share. Tickets and more info are available here.

April 17th: Foundations in Business Class Launches in Asheville

Monday evenings, 6-9pm for 6 weeks

The Foundations Business Planning Class helps aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners to create comprehensive business plans in order to start-up, expand, or enhance their businesses. Our classes are geared towards mission-driven businesses in the sectors of food and farming, health and wellness, and arts and crafts.

Delivered to thousands of entrepreneurs over 20 years at Mountain BizWorks, Foundations has been honed to help entrepreneurs build a solid strategy for business startup and growth. Our partnership with Birds Eye Business Planning & Adventures ensures that the curriculum is continually refreshed and made even more efficient and effective. For more information or to register, go here.

A recent Foundations cohort celebrates completion!

April 18th: Alpine Business Planning Course Launches in Boone!

Alpine is a new course from Mountain Bizworks, modeled on Foundations but designed for existing entrepreneurs (often at the 3-5 year mark) who are re-assessing their ventures and making plans for the future. I’m excited to be leading the inaugural Alpine cohort in the High Country! For more info and to register, go here.

Cara Steinbuchel of Cara Mae Skin Care presenting her reflections on the final day of the Alpine course

April 19th: Gluten Free Baking Basics at AB Tech Continuing Education

I’m very excited to be offering my first gluten-free baking class! In this four-week course, beginners will learn an overview of gluten-free baking basics, starting from scratch. Learn about common tools and ingredients used in gluten-free baking, build confidence in the kitchen, and complete the course with some go-to recipes under your belt for homemade gluten-free cookies, pies, cakes, biscuits and more! (PLEASE NOTE: THE CONTINUING ED KITCHEN AT AB TECH IS NOT A CERTIFIED GLUTEN-FREE FACILITY.) For more information or to register, go here.

April 21 and 22: Multicultural Women’s Development Conference 

Join us for two days of women of diverse backgrounds sharing knowledge and support around health, education, and entrepreneurship! The purpose of the Multicultural Women’s Develpment Conference (MWDC) of far Western NC is to inform participants of resources that can be used for advancement in business aspirations, higher education, personal and business finance, and in life skills management. We envision a unified community of empowered, confident and knowledgeable youth, elders, and leaders. MWDC is a project of One Dozen Who Care, Inc: Women of far Western North Carolina helping people. Our mission is to train leaders and create community bonds through common cultural interactions. For more information or to register, go here.

Here’s hoping your spring season is glorious and fruitful!

Much love,

Jodi