NCBiotech Supports Venture Asheville, Startup Growth in Western NC

The Asheville Impact Micro Grant, a Venture Asheville program, will award $5,000 to five new startups in Haywood or Buncombe County this year.

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center, along with HCA Healthcare Mission Fund, First Horizon Bank Foundation and 50 individuals donated to the program, which is running for a second year.

Startups in the health and wellness industry are strongly encouraged to apply because this will be the first year that a company will be awarded the HCA Healthcare Mission Fund Winner.

The HCA Healthcare Mission Fund is a $25 million trust to support innovation initiatives among Western North Carolina’s healthcare-related small businesses. The fund donated $10,000 to the Asheville Micro Grant, including $5,000 specifically for a health and wellness startup.

“The Western N.C. region is poised to support health and life science innovation like never before with the Venture Asheville program and the HCA Healthcare Mission Fund,” said Jonathan Snover, Ph.D., executive director of NCBiotech’s Western Office.

Applicants for the Asheville Impact Micro Grant must have less than $50,000 in revenue or funding, be located in Haywood or Buncombe County, and able to outline how they’ll use the $5,000 grant to generate more money. Companies have until May 17 to apply.

Venture Asheville is an Asheville Chamber program that supports the launch and growth of Western North Carolina startups.