A number of programs and certifications have taken root in WNC that can offer significant benefits for small businesses. Beyond promoting social responsibility, programs like Living Wage Certification, Recovery Friendly Workplace Designation, and Family Forward NC® provide tools to improve employee retention, strengthen community ties, and enhance the bottom line for individual businesses.

Living Wage Certification

Most business owners have heard of Living Wage Certification. The living wage is the minimum hourly pay needed to cover basic necessities, adjusted by county and by year to account for cost of living and inflation. In our region, the certification is facilitated by Just Economics of WNC. 

 "When a small business pays living wages, the benefits only start with the improved quality of life and financial stability of their workers,” said Sam Stites, living wage program coordinator for Just Economics of WNC. “Paying living wages can have very positive impacts on employee retention and decrease the need for training and recruitment because of high turnover while also increasing the competitiveness of applicants. Consumer preference for Living Wages can be very rewarding as well, as a greater share of consumers recognize the value of ethical and sustainable practices across their communities.”

In Buncombe County, the living wage for 2025 is $23.15—an hourly pay rate that can feel unattainable for many small business owners. But Stites notes that 90 percent of the employers in the Just Economics Living Wage Certification program have 50 or fewer employees. 

"Our program is built for small businesses operating at the local scale and includes hairdressers, record stores, painting companies, restaurants, non-profits, farms, and even an artisanal pretzel maker,” he said. "In 2024, with only a fraction of our employers reporting, Living Wage Certified employers gave $1.4 million in annual wage increases, an average of $1.74 an hour, to just over 400 workers in order to meet our program criteria.”

Red Fiddle Vittles, a family-owned catering company and market in Asheville, has seen the tangible impact of Living Wage Certification. Co-owner Matt Farr cites reduced staff turnover, a better qualified and more invested applicant pool, and peace of mind as some of the greatest benefits of being Living Wage Certified. 

"There are a lot of things that make paying a living wage more difficult for a business owner, but there are also a lot of things that make owning a business easier when you pay people a living wage,” said Farr. “You’ll be able to sleep better at night knowing that you’re making a public commitment to investing in our community. You’ll attract customers who want to support values-based businesses. You’ll connect with and share an affinity with other businesses and business owners who are good people who want to do the right things. Taking the leap may not be easy or comfortable, but it pays off for everyone in the end.”

Recovery Friendly NC Designation

Another valuable designation for small businesses in WNC is the Recovery Friendly NC (RFNC) initiative, which is focused on creating supportive work environments for people recovering from substance use disorder and reducing stigma about recovery.

An initiative of Wilkes Recovery Revolution, Inc., RFNC was founded through lived experiences and created by the organization's executive director. This designation offers companies a myriad of benefits, including turnover rates that are 12 percent below average and a more engaged workforce, where employees miss 10% fewer days of work per year than the average worker. 

Alexis Triplett, director of the initiative, noted that in small businesses, where the work environment is more close-knit, a RFNC designation can combat stigma and create a more positive workplace culture. 

"It's a common misconception that designations like this are only beneficial for larger companies,” she said. “Small businesses can be more agile and adaptable in implementing new initiatives. They can quickly integrate these practices and tailor them to fit their unique workplace culture and needs."

Randall Parsons is Vice President - Manufacturing Officer at Dreamwalls by Gardner Glass, which is designated as a Recovery Friendly Workplace by RFNC.

"It’s a partnership,” Parson said. “You have to be willing to spend the time and make the effort to understand where these individuals are coming from and how your company can both benefit from their work as well as support them on their journey to recovery."

Family Forward NC® Employer Certification

The Family Forward NC® Employer Certification is centered around providing policies and practices that support working families. 

“The cost for not having family friendly benefits is steep for small businesses,” said Lisa Finaldi, community engagement leader with the NC Early Childhood Foundation that facilitates the Family Forward NC® Employer Certification. “Creating a family friendly workplace gives employers a competitive advantage in hiring and retaining employees; certification enhances an employer’s reputation and your community’s. It gives the region an opportunity to show current and future businesses, residents, and families that WNC is a place where they can thrive."

A Pew Research Center survey of individuals who quit their jobs in 2021 indicated that almost half did so because of childcare issues. Offering the benefits necessary to become a Family Forward NC® Employer can help small businesses combat the expense of turnover. Family Forward NC® reports that 12 weeks of paid leave can result in a turnover reduction of 70 percent. 

"Any business can offer a family friendly workplace,” says Finaldi. “Employers can start where they are able on their journey to create a family friendly workplace. Small steps matter."

Small businesses in WNC have much to gain from these certifications, both financially and in terms of employee satisfaction and community reputation. While each designation requires commitment, businesses that take the leap often see long-term rewards that far outweigh the initial investment. Whether through paying living wages, supporting employees in recovery, or creating a family-friendly workplace, these certifications contribute to a stronger, more resilient local economy.  

Learn more at JustEconomicsWNC.org, RecoveryFriendlyNC.com, and FamilyForwardNC.com.