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AVL Biz Weekly | Sep 10: Summit Deals, Startup Demos & Pixies Power

Your insider discount, fresh biz events, and a live music lineup stacked with legends.

Author

Jason De Los Santos
September 10, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Welcome to AVL BIZ Weekly—your local cheat sheet for what’s happening in Asheville’s small business + creative scenes.

Each week: hand-picked events, marketing ideas that actually work, and a little local flavor to keep things fun.

My name's Jason and I'm writing this (connect with me here).

📋 On Deck

  • Asheville Business Summit: your insider discount

  • Business Events: Demo Day, AI deep dives, real estate tips, and more

  • Fun Stuff: comedy, fairs, dance walks, and creative workshops

  • Bands on the Horizon: from Pixies to St. Vincent

  • Marketing Quickies: 3 power moves for local visibility

🙋 Want your biz featured in front of a few really smart AVL business owners? Email me for detail

What’s up, AVL Fam!

Asheville Business Summit Scoop

Two weeks out from the Asheville Business Summit, and I’ve got you covered with a 59% discount using code 2025AVLBIZ (typo in last week’s edition said 10%).

Here’s the Summit weekend lineup:

  • Sun, Sept 21 (4–6 PM): Kickoff Networking Party @ Capella on 9

  • Mon, Sept 22 (5:30–8 PM): VIP Dinner @ Highland Brewing (intimate networking with speakers + sponsors)

  • Tue, Sept 23: Main Event @ Diana Wortham Center (doors 7:30 AM · program 8:30 AM–4:00 PM)

Speakers include Verge Leadership Lab with an Alex Matisse case study, Bill Gilliland, Reggie Tidwell, Murphy Funkhouser, Jeremy French, Jeff Makey, Jacqueline Boone, plus Maureen McCarthy & Zelle Nelson.

👉 Details + tickets: wncsummit.com

Reader perk: Use code 2025avlbiz for 59% off.

📅 Business Events

  • 📅 Demo Day 2025 – Wed, Sep 10 · 5:45–8:30 PM (Sun Soo Martial Arts, 800 Fairview Rd)

    Venture Asheville’s flagship pitch night is back after a Helene pause. Expect startup demos, big checks (hello $25K), and the debut of Optimist Ventures. Light bites + prime networking included.

  • 📅 AI for Human Flourishing – Calling All Builders! – Wed, Sep 10 · 6:30–8 PM (179 Hilliard Ave)

    Hosted by Matt Brooks. For makers, coders, writers, artists, and game devs exploring AI in creative ways. Bring your project and your curiosity. Seats are limited.

  • 📅 How to Leverage AI Responsibly | Marketing Minds – Thu, Sep 11 · 5:30–7:30 PM (Focus Coworking)

    With Sumaya K. Owens. Hands-on, human-centered frameworks for keeping AI ethical in your biz. Bring your laptop for live tools + takeaways.

  • 📅 Real Estate 101: Legal & Lending Basics – Tue, Sep 16 · 12:30–2 PM (Hendersonville Board of Realtors)

    Crash course from Romeo, Harrelson & Coiner PA. Contracts, closings, lending lingo—rookie mistakes avoided.

  • 📅 The Happy Urbanist: An Evening with Jon Jon Wesolowski – Tue, Sep 16 · 4–6 PM (Fitz and the Wolfe)

    Hosted by the Asheville Downtown Association. A lively dive into pop-up parks, street hacks, and fast, people-first placemaking.

Hosting something cool?

📬 Hit reply and tell me what you think. Or share an event!

💡 Marketing Quickies

  • Claim Industry Directories

    Beyond Google, list your biz on Yelp, Thumbtack, Avvo or whichever directory lists your business type. These can drive surprise traffic + backlinks.

  • Add FAQs with Keywords

    Your site’s FAQ is free SEO real estate. Add Qs like “How much does tile installation cost in Asheville?”

  • Leverage Seasonal Promos

    Tie offers to local events or weather (“Fall Clean-Up Special” for landscapers). Helps visibility + conversions.

🎉 Fun Stuff Around AVL

  • 📅 Using Song to Amplify Consent & Empowerment – Thu, Sep 11 · 6:30–8:30 PM (36 Baird St)

    A welcoming circle blending music + conversation. Sing simple songs, write your own, and practice the power of “no.” No experience required.

  • 📅 The Misfit Improv Comedy Show – Fri, Sep 12 · 7:30–9 PM (NC Stage Company)

    Asheville’s improv sharp-shooters deliver a night of wild twists and audience-fueled chaos.

  • 📅 NC Mountain State Fair – Senior Day – Fri, Sep 12 · 11 AM–1 PM (WNC Ag Center)

    Free admission for ages 65+ until 6 PM! Hosted meetup group meets at 11 AM at the gate.

  • 📅 GoalLab Workshop – Sat, Sep 13 · 9–10:30 AM (The Rhu)

    Grab a latte and hash out personal/pro goals with like-minded folks. Leave with accountability + inspiration.

  • 📅 Joy Parade – Dance Walk – Tue, Sep 16 · 6:30–7:30 PM (Malvern Hills Park)

    Flash-mob joy meets moving meditation. Beats, easy moves, big smiles.

  • 📅 Botanical Painting for Beginners – Tue, Sep 16 · 11 AM–1 PM (NC Arboretum)

    Hands-on class with Camille Daunno. Learn brushwork + composition surrounded by green.

  • 📅 Evening Sweat Sesh 💪 – Tue, Sep 16 · 6–7:15 PM (Montford Park)

    Donation-based outdoor workout with trainer Maria. Bring a mat + water, leave lighter.

🎧 Bands on the Horizon (Aug 27–Sep14)

  • Pixies w/ Spoon & Fazerdaze – Sep 10 @ Asheville Yards (Spoon never misses live—trust me)

  • Jo Koy – Sep 11 @ Harrah’s Cherokee Center

  • Michael Franti & Spearhead – Sep 13 @ Asheville Yards

  • Sierra Ferrell – Sep 14 @ Asheville Yards (folk brilliance)

  • Vance Joy – Sep 16 @ Asheville Yards Amphitheater

  • Turnstile – Sep 17 @ Asheville Yards Amphitheater

  • Father John Misty – Sep 21 @ Asheville Yards Amphitheater

  • Lucy Dacus – Sep 23 @ Asheville Yards Amphitheater

  • Mt. Joy – Sep 24 @ ExploreAsheville Arena

  • Waxahatchee – Sep 25 @ The Orange Peel

  • The Wood Brothers – Sep 26 @ The Orange Peel

  • Maggie Rogers – Sep 27 @ Asheville Yards Amphitheater

  • Lake Street Dive – Sep 28 @ Asheville Yards Amphitheater

  • St. Vincent – Sep 29 @ The Orange Peel

Want your website to bring in leads while you sleep (no ads, no dancing on TikTok)? That’s literally what I do.

Let’s hop on a 15-minute strategy call. I'll give you at least one actionable tip you can implement immediately. No pitch, just value.

Reply “Let’s Talk.”

Want your biz in front of smart AVL owners & creators? Reply with what you’re up to and we’ll see if it’s a fit.

Until next week,

Jason De Los Santos
Pixelated Stories Digital Marketing
(828) 585-4293

P.S. Update your Google Business Profile with a fresh photo today. It takes 60 seconds and helps a ton.