Blue Ridge Business Outlook Summit

Blue Ridge Business Outlook Summit
Date: 11/10/2026
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Blue Ridge Community College
Conference Hall
Fee: No Cost!
In-person only

North Carolina continues to rebuild, adapt and grow.
Join business leaders, community partners, and experts for key data and trends shaping our region in the year ahead and beyond!

Refreshments & Media Sponsor: WNC Business

Coffee provided by: Dog-Eared Coffee Bar, Hendersonville, NC

Summit Agenda

Doors Open & Registration - 8:00am

Welcome & Keynote - 8:30-9:30am
National and Local Business Data with Trends to Better Plan for 2027
Presenter Gary Heisey - Executive Director, Vision Henderson County

Breakouts - 9:45-10:45am
Tips to Start a Business In 2027
Presenter: Ben Kish - Former Blue Ridge CC Instructor and SBC Director

Tips to Grow a Business In 2027
Presenters:
Chris Davidson - Owner, Blue Ridge Heating and Air
John Klinge - VP of Operations, Jackson Electrical Contractors, Inc
Linda Bradley - Owner, Turf Mountain Sod, Inc.

Tips to Buy or Sell a Business in 2027
Presenters:
Jim Smeaton - Former Owner, Always Best Care
John Wilantowicz - Business Advisor, Mountain BizWorks
Randy Hunter - Owner, Hunter Automotive

Breakouts 2 - 11:00am-12:00pm
Challenges Facing Companies with Employees and Improvement Options
Presenter: Greg Gorgone - Founder, Sylva

Challenges Facing Companies with No Employees and Improvement Options
Presenter: Gary Heisey - Executive Director, Vision Henderson County

How Can AI Help Your Business Grow and Be Profitable in 2027
Presenters:
Aaron Wesley Means - Owner of ACTIVATE Business Solutions
Tonya Stephens - Information Technology Instructor, Blue Ridge Community College
Jared Bellmund Marketing Director at All-Choice Insurance

Conference Wrap-Up - 12:00-12:15pm

National and Local Business Data with Trends to Better Plan for 2027

Planning for 2027 starts with understanding what is changing nationally—and what is
happening right here in Henderson and Transylvania Counties. This session will bring
together current national economic and business trends with local data to help business
owners make better-informed decisions about the year ahead. Participants will explore
trends in the economy, inflation and costs, workforce, population, customers, business
growth, and other key indicators that can impact local businesses.
The session will focus on turning data into practical information businesses can use to
identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, and make smarter decisions about
customers, employees, pricing, expenses, marketing, technology, and future growth.
Whether you are starting a business, growing an existing business, or simply preparing
for changing economic conditions, this session will provide useful insights to help you
better plan, compete, and succeed in 2027.

Tips to Start a Business In 2027
Turn your business idea into a clear path forward with The Entrepreneur Journey: Idea, Evidence, Plan, Launch, and Improve. This practical workshop begins with identifying a real customer problem and guides you through creating a compelling value proposition and workable business model, proving your concept with simple market research, and developing an action-oriented business plan. You’ll learn how to define your products, pricing, promotions, and distribution channels; build startup and digital marketing strategies; estimate startup costs and monthly cash needs; address initial legal and administrative requirements; and protect your business through proper insurance, recordkeeping, taxes, and contracts. The workshop also covers funding options and common cautions, provides a practical startup checklist, connects you with free local business assistance, and concludes with time for questions and answers.

Tips to Grow Your Business in 2027:
Growing a business requires more than increasing sales, it means making smart decisions about customers, people, operations, finances, marketing, technology, and the future. This interactive panel brings together 3–4 local business owners and leaders who have successfully navigated significant periods of growth and can share what worked, what didn’t, and what they learned along the way. Panelists will discuss real-world strategies for strengthening customer relationships, building and retaining a strong team, expanding marketing efforts, managing cash flow, improving operations, adopting new technology, developing partnerships, creating new revenue streams, and maintaining quality as the business grows. Whether you are preparing for your next stage of growth or working through the challenges that come with expansion, this session will provide practical lessons and actionable ideas to help your business grow strong, compete smart, and succeed in 2027 and beyond.

Tips to Buy or Sell a Business in 2027:
Buying or selling a business can be one of the most significant and complex decisions an entrepreneur makes. This interactive panel brings together three perspectives from the business transaction process: an entrepreneur who has purchased a business, an owner who has successfully sold a business, and an experienced professional who values businesses and advises buyers and sellers through transactions. Panelists will share real-world lessons on preparing a business for sale, determining value, evaluating an acquisition opportunity, financing and due diligence, negotiating terms, avoiding common pitfalls, and successfully transitioning ownership. Whether you are considering buying a business, preparing to sell one, or simply want to understand what makes a business transferable and valuable, this session will provide practical insights to help you buy, sell, and succeed.

Challenges Facing Companies with No Employees (Solo Operators) and
Improvement Options

Running a business without employees means the owner is responsible for nearly
everything—from serving customers and generating revenue to marketing, scheduling,
administration, and finances. With limited time and capacity, even a successful solo
operator can struggle with rising costs, cash flow, competing priorities, and keeping up
with the day-to-day demands of the business.
This interactive session will focus on five key challenges facing companies with no
employees: rising costs, cash flow, capacity limits, time management, and business
systems and processes. Participants will explore practical ways to improve profitability,
manage cash flow, focus on higher-return work, automate or outsource routine tasks,
better manage time and priorities, and create simple systems that make the business
easier to operate and grow.
Using the Planning Checklist for 2027, participants will evaluate what is Working Well
and where Improvement is Needed, then identify the top three actions that could have
the greatest impact on making their business more efficient, resilient, and profitable in
2027.

Challenges Facing Companies with Employees and Improvement Options

Companies with employees are facing increasing challenges in attracting and keeping
good people while managing rising costs and maintaining healthy cash flow. This
interactive session will focus on practical ways business owners and managers can
evaluate how well their company is responding to these challenges and identify areas
where improvement could have the greatest impact.
Participants will explore proven practices for attracting new employees, retaining and
developing existing employees, dealing with rising costs, and improving cash flow.
Using the Summit Planning Checklist for 2027, participants will identify what is working
well, where improvement is needed, and the top three actions they can take to
strengthen their business in 2027.
Register and save your spot!