Blue Ridge Community College will host the Blue Ridge Business Outlook Summit on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the College’s Blue Ridge Conference Hall. The event is free and offered in person only. WNC Business is the refreshment and media sponsor. Registration is required. 

As North Carolina continues to rebuild, adapt and grow, the summit will bring together business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, community partners and experts to explore the data and trends shaping the region. Participants will gain practical ideas to strengthen their businesses and prepare for opportunities and challenges in 2027 and beyond.

Doors open for registration at 8 a.m., with coffee provided by Dog-Eared Coffee Bar. The welcome and keynote session begins at 8:30 a.m.

Gary Heisey, executive director of Vision Henderson County, will present “National and Local Business Data with Trends to Better Plan for 2027.” His presentation will connect national economic and business trends with local data from Henderson and Transylvania counties, examining costs, workforce, population, customers and business growth. Participants will explore how those trends can inform decisions about pricing, hiring, marketing, expenses, technology and future growth.

Breakout sessions

From 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., attendees can choose from three concurrent breakout sessions:

• Tips to Start a Business in 2027: Ben Kish, former Blue Ridge Community College instructor and Small Business Center director, will guide participants through moving from an idea to launch, including market research, business planning, startup costs, marketing and funding considerations.

• Tips to Grow a Business in 2027: Chris Davidson, owner of Blue Ridge Heating and Air; John Klinge, vice president of operations at Jackson Electrical Contractors, Inc.; and Linda Bradley, owner of Turf Mountain Sod, Inc., will share lessons on managing growth, strengthening customer relationships, building teams and improving operations.

• Tips to Buy or Sell a Business in 2027: Jim Smeaton, former owner of Always Best Care; John Wilantowicz, business advisor at Mountain BizWorks; and Randy Hunter, owner of Hunter Automotive, will discuss business value, acquisition opportunities, financing, due diligence and ownership transitions.

A second round of concurrent breakout sessions will run from 11 a.m. to noon:

• Challenges Facing Companies with Employees and Improvement Options: Greg Gorgone, founder of Sylva, will address attracting, retaining and developing employees while managing rising costs and cash flow.

• Challenges Facing Companies with No Employees and Improvement Options: Gary Heisey will explore ways solo operators can improve profitability, manage competing priorities, increase capacity and simplify business systems.

• How Can AI Help Your Business Grow and Be Profitable in 2027: Aaron Wesley Means, owner of ACTIVATE Business Solutions; Tonya Stephens, information technology instructor at Blue Ridge Community College; and Jared Bellmund, marketing director at All-Choice Insurance, will explore business applications of artificial intelligence.

The employee and solo-operator sessions will include a planning checklist to help participants assess what is working well, identify areas for improvement and select three priority actions for 2027.

Register by clicking here.