Whether your ideal Asheville visit takes you gallery hopping on Broadway, antique shopping in Biltmore Village, trekking along the Appalachian Trail, or to a downtown show at a rock club named one of the top five in the country by Rolling Stone Magazine, the Asheville area has something guaranteed to delight every visitor. Don’t just take our word for it…experience it for yourself. 
Ask almost any Chamber member why they are a member and they’ll tell you—in Asheville, it’s the most important way to meet people and grow your business. As North Carolina’s third largest Chamber, the Asheville Chamber includes more than 2,000 businesses, organizations and coalitions. Members know the value a membership provides. Find out how members find value with the Asheville Chamber. 
Look at snapshots from Chamber events and view videos of Chamber programming and events. 
Meet and connect with the leadership team that sets goals and leads the activities of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. 
Do you have questions about the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce? Are you wondering where we are located, what we do, or how to find photos of the Asheville area? We’ve listed answers to our most frequently asked questions here. 
The Asheville region has expertise in several dynamic talent driven industries. Local businesses, educational programs, and community leaders are working in collaboration to nurture and grow these targeted sectors. 
Many businesses are thriving in Asheville and yours could be next. Here are a few of the local businesses making headlines recently. 
Consider the Economic Development staff your one-stop resource for connecting to the Asheville community. Find a complete list of staff available to help you plan the next phase of your business. 
Asheville’s economy and industry is constantly evolving. Keep up to date on the latest industry announcements and plans here. Contact the EDC staff if your company has exciting news to share with the community. 
Incentives
“There is no better place in the country to put our products to the test than in the mountains that surround us here in Asheville. In a matter of minutes we can be riding our road bikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway or testing our mountain bike products in the Pisgah National Forest.” ... [More]
– -Clint Spiegel, Co-Founder, Industry Nine Componentry
The Economic Development Coalition staff are experts in navigating your company through the sometimes confusing process of securing economic incentives for your relocation or expansion. Download the EDC Incentives brochure and for a private and confidential consultation, contact the EDC staff to get the process underway.
State Incentives
Investment in Business Property Tax Credit
The investment tax credit equals 3.5% of the excess value above $2 million of machinery and equipment placed in service within Buncombe County by eligible new or expanding firms.
Job Creation Tax Credit
Firms with at least fifteen full-time employees working 40 or more weeks during the taxable year can take a NC tax credit for each new job created.
Urban Progress Zone-City of Asheville
Special areas within city limits have been designated as urban progress zones which provide for higher tax credit incentives than non-designated areas.
Research & Development Tax Credit
A taxpayer that has qualified North Carolina research expenses for the taxable year is allowed a credit equal to a percentage of the expenses.
This summary is not intended to be comprehensive. Taxpayers should review the Article 3J statutes prior to claiming credits. Taxpayers that are uncertain about their eligibility to claim credits after reviewing the Article 3J statutes should consult with the Department of Revenue (919-733-5297).
Other State Incentives Programs
- State-Funded Customized Labor Training (provided through Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College)
- One North Carolina Fund (subject to availability of funds)
- Job Development Investment Grant Program (JDIG) (sustained annual grants to new and expanding businesses measured against a percentage of withholding taxes paid by new employees, currently set to sunset in January 2008)
- Source: Commerce Finance Center (CFC), North Carolina Department of Commerce
Local Incentives
Both local governmental units have adopted incentive policies which provide for grants to be paid back to projects based primarily on their capital investment. Other criteria such as number of new jobs created, wages, etc. may also be considered in determining the grant amount.
Buncombe County and Asheville City Incentive Policies
Typically new and expanding companies that invest a minimum of $1.5 million dollars in new construction, machinery and equipment in Buncombe County and/or the City of Asheville, may be eligible for an economic development incentive grant from Buncombe County and/ or the City of Asheville. Please contact the Vice President of Economic Development at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce for more detailed information about these programs at 828.258.6128.